Très Parisien, 1925, No. 11, p. 3: Un manteau de voyag (...) 1925

G-P. Joumard made this fashion plate titled Très Parisien around 1925, and what strikes me is how the hand of the artist is evident in the subtle, gestural strokes that define the figures and their garments. You can almost see Joumard at work, carefully laying down each line and shade, letting the image emerge through a process of addition and refinement. It’s as though Joumard is saying, “Here are the colours of the moment," yet also subtly pushing against the strictures of commercial art with their unique flair. This act of balancing conformity and individuality resonates deeply with me. The flat planes of colour and bold outlines remind me of the prints by Matisse, but there is a certain graphic quality that evokes the spirit of Art Deco. Each artist builds on the past, reimagining it through their own experiences and insights. It's a reminder that painting, like fashion, is a conversation across time.