Economy Square Oil Lantern 1937

Editor: This is Ralph Atkinson's "Economy Square Oil Lantern" from 1937. It's a drawing with what seems to be watercolor and pencil. It's quite muted in color, focusing on the texture and form of the lantern itself. What strikes you about this work? Curator: The appeal for me lies in the very straightforward presentation of a utilitarian object. It prompts questions about the labor involved in its creation, both the depicted lantern itself and the art that depicts it. Consider the social context of 1937; the economy was still recovering. An "economy" lantern speaks volumes about material conditions and access to goods. Editor: So you're saying the title is almost like another medium used to comment on society? Curator: Precisely. The title and the image intersect to make the piece. Furthermore, look at the artistic labor of depiction; it elevates an object made, presumably, for the working class. I wonder, was Atkinson interested in drawing attention to class distinctions? What was the intended audience for a drawing like this? Was it meant to simply record the design or elevate the common object? Editor: That makes me see it in a new light, literally! I was just thinking about the object, its textures but didn't really delve into its implications or even think about Atkinson's process of creating the art itself. Curator: The blurring between high art and craft is at play here, consider that this object could be photographed or even presented as readymade... but a meticulous watercolor drawing emphasizes the handmade and artisanal approach, connecting artistic labor to the creation of the lantern itself. What is the effect of choosing these methods over others? Editor: It suggests a value in labor and a certain intimacy with the object being depicted, perhaps a desire to understand it on a deeper level. Curator: Exactly. So we start with what we see - material and form, but ultimately, we end up examining the complex web of production and meaning. Thanks! Editor: Thanks to you as well! It's amazing how much can be unpacked from a simple lantern.