Bandbox Design (Deaf and Dumb Asylum) c. 1939

Martin Partyka created this bandbox design, "Deaf and Dumb Asylum," using paper and gouache. The design, framed by a bold, blue oval, presents a serene yet structured composition. Buildings are rendered in pink and white hues, juxtaposed against the green of trees and lawns. Partyka skillfully employs color and form to create a sense of order and calm. The architectural elements, with their defined lines and geometric shapes, evoke a rational, structured environment. Yet, the use of pastel shades softens the institutional feel, lending a dreamlike quality to the scene. The overall effect is one of controlled harmony, a balance between the rigidity of the asylum's architecture and the organic forms of nature. This design invites us to reflect on the relationship between institutional spaces and the individuals within them, subtly questioning the norms of representation and the construction of social meaning. It presents itself as an open field for inquiry and thought.