Wall Paper Border c. 1937

Editor: Here we have Paul Farkas’s "Wall Paper Border," made around 1937. It's a drawing, quite simple, and brings to mind the stylized motifs and colours popular during the Art Deco era. I find the stylized geometric forms soothing. How do you interpret this work, seeing it through your unique lens? Curator: This "Wall Paper Border" transcends its function; it's an intriguing example of how geometric and organic forms intersect within the human psyche. The rhythmic repetition evokes a sense of order and control, so characteristic of modernism. But, consider the subtle variations and stylized floral motifs… Do they suggest an underlying yearning for nature or a hidden narrative? Editor: That’s fascinating! The stylized flower could suggest a move away from pure geometry, offering a more human touch. Curator: Precisely. Think about what "home" signified in the 1930s, in the wake of war. Wallpaper often embodies our ideals of comfort, protection, maybe even aspiration. And this blend of hard lines and softer curves, how do you think that plays into the idea of 'home'? Editor: It almost feels like taming nature and incorporating it indoors, imposing order while still celebrating the natural world. Curator: Yes, a way to harmonize exterior and interior life, reflecting a deeper cultural negotiation. We project our anxieties, dreams, and memories onto these surfaces. Every detail matters. Editor: That tension between order and nature tells a more profound story. I now appreciate this simple border’s deeper significance beyond its practical purpose.