Swept Away 

Editor: We're looking at "Swept Away," an Art Deco illustration by Erte. The drama of the piece is palpable. There's this figure, caught in what seems like a storm, all swirling blues and golden currents. What leaps out at you? Curator: Isn’t it exquisite? For me, it's the embodiment of escapism and theatricality, which are Erte’s trademarks. The figure, seemingly weightless, isn't battling the storm. It's more like a dance, a surrender. Those elegant lines, those bold colors…it's a stylized dream, a beautiful Art Deco nightmare perhaps. Notice how the composition creates this feeling of upward movement, even in the face of chaos? Editor: I see what you mean, almost like she is flying *into* the storm rather than being tossed by it. Do you think there's a story here, or is it purely visual spectacle? Curator: Ah, that’s the question, isn't it? I lean towards spectacle. Erte often prioritized visual impact and fantasy. But one could weave a tale: a heroine, facing adversity with grace, a tempestuous journey...Ultimately, it is more of an exploration of form and color. The Art Deco era revelled in embracing the artificial and idealised. Editor: So, not a mirror to reality, but an escape from it? Curator: Precisely! Or a remolding of reality to be more stylish, more dreamlike, wouldn’t you say? Imagine stepping into that storm, not with fear, but with a sense of wonder…even liberation. Editor: That completely shifts my perspective! I came in seeing chaos and now I see agency and, dare I say, elegance in the face of it all. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It always surprises me how our feelings change as we keep seeking the hidden parts of our mind through a work of art.