Seated Model c. 1950 - 1960

Curator: This is "Seated Model" by Roland Vivian Pitchforth. Editor: It's stark and honest. There's a vulnerability in the subject, but the loose lines give it a feeling of immediacy. Curator: Pitchforth's work often engages with the politics of representation. This drawing challenges conventional beauty standards, presenting a body that deviates from the idealized female form prevalent in art history. Editor: The quick sketch-like quality reminds me of ancient fertility figures, prioritizing the life-bearing form. The separate hand study feels almost votive. Curator: Precisely. The lack of adornment and direct gaze invite a dialogue about societal expectations placed on women. Editor: It’s a powerful statement, and a refreshing take on the nude, devoid of the male gaze. Curator: Indeed, it prompts questions about agency and self-perception. Editor: It certainly gives one pause to think about the many symbols we attach to the body.