Brooch c. 1937

Curator: I’m struck by the stark geometry of these Art Deco brooch designs by Walter W. Jennings, dating to around 1937. Rendered with watercolor, the artist offers three views. Editor: Yes, the visual language speaks of austerity and streamlined functionality; that elegant yet reserved mood is a sign of the times. But, it is undeniable that these drawings showcase Art Deco design's unique way to use ancient geometric symbols in a modern aesthetic. Curator: I completely agree! The circular form, repeated throughout, is laden with connotations of wholeness, eternity, and protection. And consider how the dark central fields are punctuated by brighter elements, calling out to archetypal contrasts of light and dark. Editor: From my perspective, the black centers read not just as dark versus light but also invite a closer look at the cultural landscape. Here the austerity that marked the period also reminds us of the rise of oppressive political systems and gender norms. This period witnessed both innovation and increasing cultural restriction. Curator: It’s a tension clearly rendered in these miniature compositions! I’d observe how the very materials further enhance the intended symbolism. What do you think about how they influence its aura? Editor: Well, knowing that Jennings relied on watercolor adds another layer for me, creating both contrast and unity in visual forms. Its delicate, transparent character mirrors the societal subtleties that existed during a period that also produced brutal regimes, a fascinating tension between aesthetics and realities. Curator: Absolutely. And from my standpoint, viewing it from the cultural continuity of symbolism allows one to navigate this relationship across temporal landscapes. It prompts one to examine the past from a vantage point rooted in current conditions. Editor: Yes, and thinking through its history allows us to create meaning between Art Deco elegance, societal upheavals, and gender. They carry potent symbolic charge beyond sheer aesthetics!