Ontwerp voor een broche Possibly 1914

Mathieu Lauweriks made this design for a brooch in 1914 using graphite on paper. Look at the way he uses the grid beneath the design. The grid does the work of the curvature. It provides a system to hang his geometric shapes from and gives the design, as a whole, a sense of depth and dimension. I wonder if he designed it to be built up in layers, like a kind of architectural model. Look at the way he shades the petals of the floral form. They're soft and rounded and give the design a sense of volume. Notice how the hard edge of the oval in the middle contrasts with the softer, organic shapes around it. It reminds me of some of Hilma af Klint's early botanical studies, a real blending of science and art! Ultimately, it shows how the conversation between the artist and their materials can lead to new ways of seeing and thinking.