The Ault & Wiborg Co c. 1890 - 1920

Will Bradley made this poster, The Ault & Wiborg Co, the date is unknown, likely using lithography. I love the graphic quality of this piece, the colours are bold, and the composition is daring. There is a flatness to the piece which contrasts with the clear attempt to represent a form, like the figure. These forms are reduced to a series of graphic shapes and lines, which feel symbolic rather than illustrative. The flowers, little suns, and small white circles in the background create a contrast with the foreground, enhancing the dark figure and the cream-coloured ground. The whole composition is lifted by the curved lines of the hair and the little swirls at the hem of the dress. Art reminds us that there is more than one way of seeing and of making sense of the world, the graphic boldness of this image is a reminder of the influence of Japanese prints on Western art, but also perhaps a reference to Art Nouveau, a style that celebrated simplicity and bold, flat design.