Headdress 1935 - 1942

This drawing, known as “Headdress,” was made by an anonymous artist using graphite on paper. The lack of colour is striking, like the memory of a dream. Here, drawing becomes a gentle exploration, a tender construction of form through delicate lines. The anonymous artist teases out shape and volume with graphite, a material known for its versatility. Look closely, and you’ll notice the varying pressure of the pencil, creating depth and shadow. The artist coaxes out the ruffles, ribbons and flowers that together form the elaborate headdress. It's a world of detail, line by line, flower by flower. There’s something incredibly intimate about this piece. It reminds me of the quiet concentration of Agnes Martin, finding the sublime through subtle gestures. It's this kind of work that reminds us that art is an ongoing, ever-evolving conversation. It invites us to see the world in new and surprising ways.