Little Train 1965

Mira Schendel made 'Little Train' from rice paper, a humble material more associated with packaging than fine art. The artwork consists of numerous delicate sheets, linked together to form a gently curving line. Schendel’s practice often involved repetitive, labor-intensive processes. Each sheet of rice paper would have been individually handled and placed, requiring patience and care. The inherent fragility of rice paper influences the artwork’s ethereal appearance, while its translucent quality allows light to filter through, creating subtle shadows. Schendel was interested in the relationship between language and art, and here she invokes a train, a symbol of modernity and connectivity, yet crafted from materials that suggest ephemerality. This juxtaposition invites reflection on the transient nature of progress and the importance of valuing simple, understated forms of expression. The use of this simple medium elevates craft, challenging traditional distinctions between the fine and applied arts, and inviting us to see beauty in the everyday.