Bench c. 1939

Editor: Here we have Margery Parish’s "Bench," created around 1939. It’s a watercolor painting, quite simple in its presentation. What really strikes me is how sturdy and geometric it feels. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s deceptively simple, isn’t it? Parish’s "Bench," though seemingly just a realistic depiction, offers a lens through which to examine design and labor during the late 1930s, right before the Second World War truly kicked off and resources became scarce. The emphasis on the bench's sturdy, handcrafted qualities speaks to a valorization of labor and a potential commentary on class and access to resources. Editor: That’s fascinating. So you’re suggesting the image becomes almost like a statement about work ethic and resourcefulness? Curator: Precisely. How do you interpret the choice of subject? An everyday object elevated to art prompts certain questions, right? Who had access to these benches, how were they used, and what stories do they hold from that period? Furthermore, does the geometric design, almost resembling Indigenous patterns, hint at something beyond the mere depiction of furniture? Editor: I hadn’t considered that! The patterns could be alluding to larger socio-cultural narratives. I initially just saw the clean lines and craftsmanship but didn't really place it historically or critically. Curator: And that is often how subversive work succeeds: by sneaking past initial readings to pose profound questions concerning class, identity and labour. What do you make of the way she has chosen such a commonplace subject? Editor: Now, considering the social context you mentioned, it prompts reflection on what objects and spaces we overlook, and what social value they hold. I’m starting to consider the implications of elevating something as humble as a bench. Thanks so much for opening up that perspective! Curator: It's these connections that make art so relevant. By critically examining the narratives embedded in simple subjects, we gain deeper insight into the human condition, don't you think?