Dress c. 1936

This is Melita Hofmann's "Dress", a drawing made with delicate precision. Look at the surface of the dress itself, it is covered with tiny marks which read up close as small crosses, like tiny kisses. This approach reminds us that art-making is all about process and labour, each kiss making up a much larger image. The colours here are soft and muted, creating a dreamlike quality. I'm drawn to the way Hofmann renders the fabric, suggesting texture and volume with only the subtlest of shading. Notice the ribbons at the bottom of the dress, how each line is carefully placed to catch the light. It's like a whisper of elegance, a testament to the power of simplicity. This drawing is reminiscent of Erte. While Erte's work is known for its bold Art Deco designs, here Hofmann favours a softer, more intimate approach. Both artists share a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of fashion. Art, after all, is an ongoing dialogue, a conversation across time and styles, where everyone is talking, all at once!