Charlie Parker 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross's sketch of "Charlie Parker." It's undated, a pencil drawing on paper. The geometric framework is really striking. What do you see in this piece beyond just a preparatory sketch? Curator: I see the process of artistic production laid bare. The visible geometric grid, the artist’s notes on ratios and distances – these aren’t just preliminary steps, they’re integral to understanding Ross's material engagement with the subject. It underscores the labour involved in creating an image. Editor: So, it’s less about the finished product and more about deconstructing the "how" of its creation? Curator: Precisely! The drawing challenges the romantic ideal of effortless artistic genius. It focuses on the deliberate, material actions involved in making art. It makes you question the role of preparation versus the finished artwork. Editor: That's a totally new perspective for me; I'll never look at sketches the same way again!