Basket Tray c. 1936

Editor: Here we have Gordena Jackson's "Basket Tray," created around 1936. It looks to be a drawing, and the intricacy of the coiled design is quite captivating. The repeated lines and central star motif create a pleasing balance. What strikes you most about the formal qualities of this work? Curator: The piece operates on the strengths of repetition and contrast. Notice how the concentric circles guide the eye inward, creating a sense of depth within the two-dimensional plane. And the star shape is echoed both at the very center and again by the vertical tick marks at the rim, unifying the overall structure. Do you see how the artist strategically alternates between the light and dark values? Editor: Yes, that contrast really makes the design pop! The texture looks almost tactile. It makes me wonder, is there significance to the five points of the star, or is it purely a design choice? Curator: That's an astute question, but through formalist analysis we must stick with the intrinsic values of the artwork. I mean, notice the careful symmetry, the way each point mirrors the others, reinforcing a sense of balance and order. One could read these kinds of elements through structuralist interpretations, thinking about binary oppositions. But if we apply such critical lenses, we must be aware of how those interpretations rest solely on what's presented to the eye. Editor: So, instead of searching for an external narrative, we're focusing on how the artist used form to create a visual experience? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the spiraling lines within the star create a sense of movement, almost a centrifugal force emanating from the center. The artwork showcases an understanding of visual rhythm and how geometric forms play with visual tension and harmony. Editor: That's a very useful perspective. I was initially drawn to potential cultural symbolism, but I see the value in first appreciating the pure artistry of composition. Curator: Exactly! Appreciating the arrangement and material construction allows us to start our exploration from a sound and verifiable position.