Roof Tile c. 1936

Curator: Here we have "Roof Tile," dating back to around 1936. The artwork is a watercolor drawing. The profile associated with this work is that of Cecily Edwards. Editor: The somber brown of the tile set against the off-white of the page creates a rather subdued atmosphere, doesn’t it? The texture hints at the very real object. Curator: It does indeed. Knowing its date of creation, it is relevant to consider what was happening in the art world in the 1930s, when modernist ideals were clashing with social realism. Editor: Looking at it with a materialist eye, the simplicity of the subject and the medium employed – watercolor – suggest a certain focus on accessibility and the everyday. Perhaps an interest in elevating the ordinary through art? Curator: Perhaps reflecting a wider move within artistic circles to explore new avenues and break with more traditional modes of presentation, where the labor involved becomes less overt. Editor: Absolutely, one could easily dismiss this as just a quick sketch, but consider what "the roof tile" signifies culturally! It’s a building block, quite literally, in the construction of our living spaces. Curator: So, a vital element within society's physical fabric and its historical lineage represented by an accessible form such as drawing rather than stone carving, for example. What sort of symbolism is offered by elevating something as basic as this to fine art? Editor: It's a fascinating study in the politics of representation; who and what are we deeming worthy of attention, of preservation within institutions. It forces you to question your aesthetic biases! Curator: This work encourages us to reconsider the means of production and, specifically, the social narrative and purpose embedded within them. It prompts viewers to challenge the traditional art hierarchy of artistic methods. Editor: It is a compelling dialogue starter about how the mundane becomes monumental through context. Curator: Thank you, your insights broadened my view on how socio-economic conditions are shaping perceptions and how cultural artifacts accrue significance. Editor: Thanks. It’s rewarding to find layers of history even in the simplest compositions!