Dawn 1952

Editor: This is Milton Avery’s “Dawn,” made in 1952. It's a print, a striking black and white image. I am immediately drawn to the stark simplicity and the somewhat whimsical quality of the bird shape amidst these star-like shapes. It feels almost like a child's drawing, yet there’s a real sophistication to it. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Oh, "Dawn"... It's got this dreamy, almost naive quality about it, doesn't it? Avery's simplicity isn't just a style; it’s a whole mood. Notice how the white of the bird really pops against the solid black, how few lines are used. And you know what I think when I see this bird among the stars and crescent moon? A gentle unfolding, the world just waking up. But what do you make of the signature "M.A." instead of his full name? It almost feels like a secret shared between the artist and those who truly "see" his vision, what do you reckon? Editor: I think it definitely adds to that feeling of intimacy, like a personal note slipped into the artwork. Do you see that contrast as maybe something other than 'naive'? I keep coming back to that feeling of sophistication, but also playfulness... Curator: Absolutely, the interplay of those opposing themes creates a really special tension in the work, doesn't it? To create something truly sophisticated you've sometimes gotta go back to that really simple essence of a subject. The bird itself isn't anatomically perfect. It's stylized, streamlined and it becomes universal and eternal. Makes you wonder what other shapes and forms exist, ready for simplification. Editor: I never really thought about simplicity in that light before. I will remember that! Thank you! Curator: And thanks to you – a fresh pair of eyes really lets the light in, doesn’t it? It seems we both greeted "Dawn" with the sunrise in our minds!