Concha Belt c. 1940

Editor: This is a Concha Belt, made around 1940 by a Navajo artist. It's crafted from silver and leather. I'm struck by the repetition of these almost perfectly circular forms and the way the turquoise subtly accents the silver. What stands out to you in terms of the form and composition? Curator: The interest, of course, resides in that seriality, doesn't it? Each concha, while similar, presents a unique variation in the chasing and stamping of the silver. Note how the artist masterfully employs negative space to accentuate the raised designs. Consider, too, how the conchas themselves, while predominantly circular, are ever so slightly oblong, creating a subtle dynamism across the horizontal plane of the belt. Does this deviation from perfect geometry affect your reading? Editor: It does create a subtle energy, making it feel less rigid. Also, I notice the central turquoise stone in each concha anchors the design and then directs the eye outward. It makes you observe all of the delicate filigree. Curator: Precisely. The contrast of the turquoise provides a focal point that accentuates the overall complexity. Without that point of color, you would have something perhaps repetitive, boring. The interplay of these textural and chromatic elements transcends mere functionality, elevating the object into a statement of visual art. The artist clearly displays thoughtful consideration of texture, shape, and the interplay between them. What more do you make of the work, formally speaking? Editor: I appreciate how this close analysis has allowed me to see the subtle nuances. What seemed like a simple design is actually quite intricate. Curator: Indeed, this work serves as a testament to the depth achievable through formal study. A profound appreciation of art lies in the act of seeing and thinking.