Flatiron c. 1940

Maurice Van Felix made this drawing of a flatiron sometime in the 20th century, probably with graphite or charcoal. Look how the artist renders the texture of the metal! It reminds me of how we can find beauty in everyday objects. The surface of the iron is built up through layers of delicate marks, giving it a worn, almost geological quality. It’s as if the artist is not just depicting an object but also the passage of time, the way things age and change. The handle, curving gracefully above the solid base, creates a dynamic contrast, a balance between movement and stillness. It’s funny, the rough surface of the metal makes me think of Anselm Kiefer’s paintings, which are often full of texture and layered materials. But where Kiefer deals with big historical themes, Van Felix finds something profound in the ordinary. Art is like that, an ongoing conversation where each artist brings their unique voice to the table.