Dress 1935 - 1942

Editor: This watercolor drawing, titled "Dress," was created sometime between 1935 and 1942 by Mary E. Humes. I notice how delicate and ephemeral the floral design feels; it almost seems like the wallpaper in a dream. How would you interpret this piece? Curator: Given its creation date within the WPA's Federal Art Project, it's vital to consider this work not merely as decorative, but as a product of specific labor conditions. How might Humes' access to materials during the Depression era influence her choice of watercolor and the relatively small scale? The repetition and delicate nature, seemingly "ephemeral" as you mentioned, also speak to design's function for mass production, impacting textile manufacture and potentially consumption habits. Editor: So, you are saying that the material constraints of the time possibly played a role in shaping the style of the drawing? Curator: Precisely. The limitations of the period shaped the labor practices and, consequently, the final product. How does the seeming ‘preciousness’ contrast with its likely intended purpose in mass production and consumerism of textile prints? Editor: That makes sense. I initially viewed the drawing as simply pretty. Now, seeing it in relation to the means of production and consumer culture of the time definitely makes me rethink the artistry behind these types of works. Curator: Indeed. Questioning the presumed separation between “high art” and design helps reveal important details. The artist's hand here reflects broader economic and social forces.