Flowers 1940 - 1941

Editor: Here we have Harry Gottlieb's "Flowers," created between 1940 and 1941. It's a woodcut print, bursting with a naive charm and soft colors. It makes me think of my grandmother's living room, oddly enough. What strikes you about it? Curator: Oh, Grandma's living room... a fascinating connection! For me, this print hums with a quiet, hopeful energy, especially considering its creation during the rumblings of World War II. Gottlieb, often celebrated for his depictions of industrial America, surprises us with this intimate look at the domestic. The somewhat blocky application of color almost creates the texture of a child's beloved drawing—imperfect, sincere, utterly captivating. Do you feel that sense of authenticity radiating from the work as well? Editor: I do see that authenticity. The vase almost looks like it was drawn freehand, which adds to that raw, immediate feeling. It’s also interesting to think about its being made during the war; the simplicity almost feels like a rejection of the chaos of the world. Curator: Exactly! Perhaps Gottlieb yearned for a simple beauty. A refuge of gentle hues when the outside world was cloaked in shades of fear and uncertainty. It speaks volumes about art's power as a safe haven during turbulent times. Gottlieb seems to whisper, "Let us nurture beauty where we can." A sentiment I think we can carry forward with us, even today. Editor: I love that interpretation, finding beauty even in wartime. I came expecting floral serenity but I'm leaving with so much more to consider!