Pepita hanteert een lichtschakelaar bij een podium before 1948

Curator: This drawing by Hans Borrebach, tentatively titled "Pepita operates a light switch at a stage", predates 1948. It's rendered in ink on paper, quite a dynamic piece. What's your first impression? Editor: The contrast is striking. Harsh light beams cutting across the scene, highlighting the glamorous figure of the woman in the gown, juxtaposed with the back view of someone seemingly in charge of the spotlight. I am interested in the means of this production of theatrical image and the making of illusions. Curator: Indeed, Borrebach, known for his graphic work often engaged with popular culture, captures that particular era's fascination with performance. I wonder about the role of women in entertainment at that moment and if Borrebach offers an interesting portrayal of it in this artwork. Editor: I'm immediately drawn to the mechanics. The drawing shows both the artifice, in the figure with her gown and presentation, and the work—the lighting apparatus, the person controlling it. You could even say the image elevates stagehands, who have allowed this fantasy and image to exist. Curator: It's a valid interpretation, considering Borrebach's work often explores the structures behind popular imagery. Notice the style, how the clean lines create almost a stage set feeling. I wonder how he perceived this work versus his others. Editor: The sharp lines and heavy use of ink emphasize the materials involved, and the weight and shape of the figure is interesting given the means by which a performance space is realized, and those efforts often unacknowledged, remain in focus. Curator: We should also recognize the art itself in this period operated through different means, such as prints for newspapers. The politics of imagery in this print speaks directly to how people lived. It makes the moment accessible. Editor: It's a fascinating glimpse into the labor, technology, and visual construction that underpinned entertainment in this period. It underscores the intersection of creativity and technical know-how required. Curator: Yes, this piece prompts one to think about the societal forces driving these forms of expression and the dynamics of image making itself. It definitely provides a unique look at stagecraft. Editor: And how materiality of performance creates these ephemeral yet enduring moments in our culture.