Watch Key c. 1938

Here, we see Harry Grossen’s drawing of a Watch Key made with graphite and watercolor. I love the way the flat application of color gives this piece a kind of calm.   There’s something about the choice of medium - graphite and watercolor - that feels almost scientific, like a study. But the execution, with its soft edges and gentle shading, lends it a dreamlike quality. Look at the way the light catches the figure atop the key. The artist has managed to create a sense of depth with such simple means, giving the whole object a kind of presence.   It reminds me a little of Joseph Cornell, who also had a way of elevating everyday objects to the level of the sublime. Both artists invite us to see the world with fresh eyes, to find beauty in the unexpected. Ultimately, art is an ongoing conversation. We all bring our own experiences and perspectives to the table, and it's through this exchange that new meanings emerge.