Bonnet 1935 - 1942

Editor: This drawing, "Bonnet" by Dorothy M. Gerhard, created between 1935 and 1942 using mixed media and ink, presents two rather different hats. The contrast in shading and size makes me wonder, what should I be looking at here? Curator: I see an investigation into the material conditions and the labor involved in the production of these bonnets. Notice how the larger, boldly inked bonnet dominates, while the smaller, more delicately rendered one appears almost spectral. It encourages us to consider the value assigned to different types of craftsmanship and potentially, the social status associated with each bonnet. Editor: So, you’re saying the difference in rendering highlights a disparity in the labor or resources needed for each? Curator: Precisely! Think about the ink itself. Where did it come from? Who made it? How was it distributed? Was it readily available to a wide range of artists? The boldness of the larger bonnet suggests a confidence in the materials used, while the lightness of the other maybe indicates an economy, or a deliberate choice? Perhaps also suggesting the bonnet on the left is meant for daywear/outdoor use while the one on the right is worn only inside the home or while sleeping. Editor: That makes me consider how fashion functions within society as well. Almost like the artist is making a comment on industrial production. Curator: Exactly. She invites us to deconstruct the seemingly simple object of a bonnet, revealing the complex interplay of labor, material, and consumption underlying its creation. Editor: I never thought about headwear representing such intricate ideas! It's fascinating to see art from the perspective of material processes. Curator: Indeed. Recognizing art through the lens of its materiality enables us to question traditional art boundaries, allowing for broader dialogues surrounding craft and society.