Grotesque Jug c. 1936

Frank Fumagalli made this watercolor drawing of a grotesque jug, likely sometime in the 20th century. I love the immediacy of watercolor, how it can be both controlled and unpredictable, much like our own expressions. Looking closely, you can see how Fumagalli layers thin washes of color to build up the form of the jug. The olive green that dominates the piece feels earthy, almost organic, contrasting with the jarring, cartoonish features. The mouth, especially, is a wonder – a gaping void lined with crimson and pearly whites, each tooth rendered with a slightly different shape. It's tempting to read all sorts of meanings into a face like this, but maybe it's enough to appreciate the sheer inventiveness of the artist's vision. There's a touch of Red Grooms to this piece, but also something all of its own. Ultimately, Fumagalli reminds us that art is a conversation, a back-and-forth between tradition and innovation, seriousness and play.