Gate Post c. 1941

Editor: This charcoal drawing from around 1941, called "Gate Post" by Edward DiGennero, depicts what looks like a stone pillar or marker. The texture looks rough but solid. It almost feels monumental, despite being a drawing. What stands out to you? Curator: Note how DiGennero employs charcoal to delineate the object's form and texture. Observe the precise control in the rendering of light and shadow which gives this gate post volume, highlighting its geometric structure. Consider also how the artist contrasts the smooth areas of the stone against those carved details; for instance, that sphere right up top and what seems to be the grapevine design. Editor: I see what you mean. The sphere and grapevine look like surface decoration. Are those differences important? Curator: Precisely. DiGennero emphasizes texture and form to invite us to perceive depth. Examine how he plays with lines, moving between the incised geometric edges to those free flowing forms that are integrated onto its surface. These differences give the form visual interest, and may challenge our perceptions about functionality. Editor: I hadn't considered the geometric qualities before, but the contrasts between them really give the work so much visual energy. It's more than just a post! Curator: Yes. Through DiGennero's considered arrangement of line, form, and tone, we are offered an exploration of both sculpture and drawing, existing harmoniously as a single, unified aesthetic experience. Editor: So much to contemplate. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. The act of attentive looking always reveals more than one anticipates.