Wallpaper Border c. 1939

This watercolor and graphite 'Wallpaper Border' by Paul Farkas shows us how artmaking can be a process of repetition and variation. The simple motif—a stylized green flower against a field of dark red—is repeated along the length of the border. I'm really drawn to the materiality here. The paint is applied in thin washes, letting the paper breathe beneath. You can see the artist's hand in the slight imperfections of each flower, the way the colors bleed into one another, creating a soft, almost dreamlike effect. It's in the small details, the slight wobble of the lines, that the real energy of the piece resides. It's a humble gesture, a quiet rebellion against the uniformity of mass-produced design. This piece makes me think of the work of William Morris. Both artists share a commitment to beauty and craftsmanship, but Farkas brings a more personal, idiosyncratic touch to his designs. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, a dialogue between tradition and innovation.