Art Theory Text with Serial Rotating Pattern Diagram 1942

Editor: This is Stuart Davis's "Art Theory Text with Serial Rotating Pattern Diagram." It's a sketch, really, with handwriting and a little diagram. It feels like a peek into his artistic process. What do you make of it? Curator: It’s fascinating to see Davis grappling with theoretical concepts on paper. The text addresses how patterns attain complexity regarding light and shade, particularly in smaller sizes. We can consider how this relates to the politics of scale within art institutions. Does size dictate significance? Editor: That’s interesting. So you see a connection to how art is valued and presented based on its size? Curator: Precisely. Davis seems to be questioning assumptions about scale and complexity, which has implications for how we, as a society, understand art. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks!