Fan 1935 - 1942

Editor: This lovely artwork is titled "Fan," by Frank Maurer, made sometime between 1935 and 1942, employing drawing and watercolor techniques. I find the repetitive, radiating structure visually pleasing, yet there's also a delicate, almost ephemeral quality. What strikes you about the composition? Curator: The most salient formal element is, of course, its radial symmetry. The convergence of lines towards the lower left anchors the composition, creating a stable focal point from which the eye then travels outwards along the ribs of the fan and upwards through the feathers. Observe the artist's delicate layering of washes. Where do you perceive the tension between representation and abstraction? Editor: I see what you mean; the fan is clearly recognizable, but the loose watercolor application and feathery texture almost dissolve the object. The subtle color variations within the white also add depth. Could the artist have pushed this tension further? Curator: That’s a valid question. Arguably, the representational aspect prevents the image from fully embracing pure abstraction. Notice the slight imperfections in the fan’s construction represented by Maurer, disrupting absolute symmetry and introducing visual interest. What structural elements invite such close inspection? Editor: Perhaps the repetition of tiny dots along the lower edge, or the almost haphazard arrangement of feathers near the fan's edge. So, it's through these subtle deviations that Maurer achieves visual complexity within a seemingly simple composition. I hadn’t considered how integral the imperfections were. Curator: Exactly. Maurer utilizes asymmetry in a structural pattern, an unexpected divergence in artistic principles. What now do you see in "Fan" which you didn't previously? Editor: Before, I saw only the pretty image of a fan, now I understand it is how he expertly guides the viewer through a blend of abstraction and reality through design. I will ponder on asymmetry in structure as a tool of visual interest, thanks for sharing that today!