Sketch 1955

Curator: This is a small, untitled sketch by Stuart Davis, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. It shows four loosely drawn squares filled with geometric forms. Editor: My first impression is one of playful experimentation. The casual linework and the variety of shapes within each square create a sense of visual rhythm. Curator: Indeed, the composition seems to be exploring the relationships between simple forms. It anticipates his later use of abstracted signage to convey a distinctly American experience of modernity. Editor: Do you think this speaks to Davis's engagement with the socio-political context of his time, reflecting the urban landscape of burgeoning consumerism? Curator: Perhaps, but I am drawn more to the inherent visual vocabulary at play. The repetition of lines and the arrangement of shapes create a complex structure. Editor: I see it as a glimpse into Davis's process, a precursor to his more developed works that mirror the changing face of American culture. Curator: A worthy observation. Regardless, it's fascinating to witness Davis grappling with form and space in this intimate piece.