Quilted Chest Protection c. 1940

Mary Fitzgerald made this quilted chest protection out of fabric, and here we see it rendered on paper. There’s something so lovely about the dedication to pattern, the sheer repetition of those quilted diamonds; it speaks of a quiet, meditative process. The drawing mimics the texture of the original object, that padded surface, through delicate shading and fine lines. It makes me want to reach out and touch it, even though it’s just a picture. Notice the ‘B’ monogram in the centre, how the dense lines become even more concentrated, anchoring our gaze. You can almost feel the weight of the original resting against your own chest. This piece makes me think of Agnes Martin's quiet grids. Both artists, in their own ways, remind us to slow down and consider the subtle beauty in simple forms, offering an invitation to contemplate the world with care and attention. Art doesn’t always have to shout; sometimes, it whispers.