Andiron 1935 - 1942

Editor: This drawing from sometime between 1935 and 1942 is called “Andiron” by Janet Riza. I’m really drawn to the almost mechanical-like precision and symmetry. How can you interpret this from an art expert’s point of view? Curator: Notice first the stark representation versus the drawing placed on the top-left, complete with the artist's hand-rendered "inches" scale; it lends a degree of verisimilitude by which to consider the materiality of the sculpture’s final metal form. We may want to focus less on what Riza drew than *how* Riza represents this utilitarian luxury. Editor: What aspects of "how" jump out at you? Curator: Observe how the metal material has been modulated by degrees of lightness and shadow: it is as though the artist's very labor serves to generate this seemingly polished artifact. Also notice how Riza created another more technical drawing which contrasts with the primary representation of this luxury andiron, thereby imbuing this functional, industrial, cold object with a level of, dare I say, allure? How else do you find this represented? Editor: I think its allure partly comes from the intricate and patterned work on the face of it. I also see its vertical thrust giving it presence. Thank you, that was insightful! Curator: My pleasure. Paying such careful attention to structure certainly has its rewards.