Interior c. 20th century

Curator: Before us is John Winkler’s "Interior," a chaotic yet charming scene. Editor: It feels a little claustrophobic, no? All these figures crammed into a shallow space, rendered in such linear detail. Curator: It’s an etching, so the fine lines are characteristic, creating a sense of depth. It also hints at the everyday lives of the working class. Editor: The composition itself, though, with its receding planes and overlapping figures, makes the eye struggle to find a place to rest. It is, though, undeniably raw. Curator: Winkler, born in 1894, had this knack for capturing the grit and beauty in ordinary scenes. Editor: Perhaps. But that tension between the detailed work and the uninviting space creates a fascinating, almost unsettling effect. Curator: True, it’s a far cry from idealized depictions; still, I find its sincerity affecting. Editor: A sincere mess, perhaps. Curator: Yes, but a real one. Editor: A real one, indeed.