Waistcoat 1937

Curator: Isn't that quaint? The "Waistcoat" drawn in 1937 by Louis Maldarelli seems to leap from a page of a very fashionable history book. I am intrigued by the material that looks like watercolor and pencil! Editor: Well, its graphic qualities struck me instantly. The repetitive red stripes alternating with floral bands create an interesting optical effect, almost vibrating on the page. What is its cultural significance? Curator: My guess would be to provide a record of period costume design. There's also an unfinished version on the left, it is just the faint outline with a suggestion of a collar. To me, it's like seeing inside the artist's process! It feels immediate and raw. Editor: True. Notice the careful orchestration of line and form. The artist seems quite concerned with documenting textures and pattern. The front-facing pose further enhances the design. It's an objective recording! Curator: It feels as though Maldarelli sought to catch not just the appearance of the waistcoat, but its almost its sartorial soul! One can imagine the garment on a dandy ready to go out on a Sunday! Do you think Maldarelli knew what kind of person was going to wear this clothing item? Editor: An interesting thought! Perhaps the artist was less concerned with the wearer and more captivated by the intricate composition. In fact, by omitting the wearer, the drawing gains its independence. I imagine we might interpret that as the waistcoat gaining agency? Curator: Gaining agency, I like that! But, stepping away from theory, for a brief moment, don’t you find yourself picturing the person? The scene? Editor: Not especially. To me, the artwork embodies its own structured world that offers a rare insight into shapes, forms and function. Curator: Ultimately, I feel this is a piece that offers so much charm to think and feel around! I'm certainly going to keep thinking about how both shape and memory combine here. Editor: Indeed. There’s a compelling duality at play here, balancing the factual and imaginative possibilities in design, all expressed on paper.