Art Theory Text with Types A and B Configuration Diagrams 1943

Curator: This intriguing page, titled "Art Theory Text with Types A and B Configuration Diagrams," comes from the hand of Stuart Davis. It appears to date from February 27th, 1943. Editor: There's a beautiful simplicity to it. The handwritten text and basic diagrams give it the air of a private, almost secretive, investigation into the foundations of visual language. Curator: Davis was fascinated by abstraction, and this note reveals his analytical approach. He seems to be breaking down the fundamental ways an area can be divided, almost like a mathematical equation for art. Editor: I’m drawn to how he links these basic divisions to 'color-shape quality'. It suggests that even the simplest compositional choice carries significant expressive potential, impacting dimensional dynamics. Curator: Exactly. Davis saw these principles at play in both abstract and representational works. This exercise was his way of understanding the underlying structure. Editor: It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple artistic choices are deeply rooted in theoretical considerations and reflect broader cultural and aesthetic values. Curator: This little sketch gives us a glimpse into the artist's mind. Editor: A quiet yet powerful exploration of the building blocks of visual art.