Alphabet W 

Curator: This vibrant ink drawing is called “Alphabet W,” by the artist Erte. It's an exquisite example of Art Deco illustration. What's your initial reaction? Editor: Opulence, certainly. I see high fashion merged with, well, pure fantasy. It makes me think of extravagant stage productions from the early 20th century. How does the material inform that glamour, in your view? Curator: The medium of ink drawing lends itself perfectly to the crisp, clean lines so characteristic of Art Deco. The artist’s attention to detail using the ink reveals the means of production of the era. Editor: Indeed, I agree. Erte's aesthetic became hugely influential. Can we read into its socio-cultural importance at all? I am keen to touch on what he represents in popular visual culture of the time. Curator: Absolutely. Erte’s work appeared prolifically in magazines such as *Harper's Bazaar* and *Vogue*. This put him, and his designs, right at the heart of popular fashion and visual culture. These works had significant influence in disseminating fashion trends in high society at the time. His artwork also became iconic, defining visual motifs, styles, and cultural trends. Editor: I note, also, a certain performative aspect, too. With the horses, top hat, and costume elements, one gets the feeling this "W" is brought to life, elevated almost to high art through the act of pageantry, fashion, design and consumerism. Curator: Precisely! By integrating the letter “W” into such a theatrical composition, Erte elevated a simple graphic element into an emblem of luxury and spectacle. Editor: A marriage of practicality and elegance then, mediated via fashion’s image factory? I find the overall effect so interesting when contextualized through material practices of this kind. Curator: The materials here truly illuminate the processes and ultimately, the artistic labour involved in realizing Erte's glamorous vision, beyond merely a "letter," in fact. Editor: Thank you for shedding light on its material making! A remarkable illustration when placed into wider visual and societal perspectives.