Latches 1935 - 1942

Al Curry made "Latches" using graphite and watercolor on paper. Look at the rendering of these three latches, how the artist has built up the forms with delicate layers, creating a sense of depth and shadow. It’s a beautiful reminder that art-making is a process of accumulation, each layer informing the next. The material qualities of the artwork—the smooth paper, the soft gradations of graphite, the transparent washes of watercolor—contribute to its quiet emotional tone. Notice how Curry has paid particular attention to the central, knob-like element of each latch. These darker shapes anchor the composition and draw our eye, creating a focal point for contemplation. Curry, who lived to be 100, made various other drawings of architectural details. This piece reminds me of the work of Vija Celmins, who also has a love of rendering everyday objects with meticulous detail. I think this artwork invites us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty in the mundane, and to recognize that art is an ongoing dialogue between artists across time.