Evening Bodice c. 1937

This drawing of an evening bodice was made by Bessie Forman. It’s all about how a few marks can conjure the idea of lush fabric. Forman uses a tight color scheme of reds and blacks to give an overall sense of depth and texture. See how the red almost vibrates against the black? It’s like she’s suggesting the sheen of velvet. The details aren't overly rendered. The floral pattern, for example, is kind of loose and gestural. But that's what gives it life! It feels more like an impression, capturing a feeling of sumptuousness. In the centre of the bodice, where you can see the texture of the material, it’s hard to tell which marks are black and which are red. Artists like Florine Stettheimer come to mind – women artists from the earlier part of the 20th century who explored similar themes of fashion, intimacy, and the everyday. It's like they're having a conversation across time.