Growth of Spring 1921 - 1922

Editor: This is "Growth of Spring," a coloured-pencil drawing and pastel on paper by Arthur Bowen Davies, created between 1921 and 1922. It's very dreamlike, almost faded, like a memory. What do you see in this piece? Art Historian: Well, beyond the figures, I'm immediately drawn to the materials and the process evident here. Notice the layering of pastel and coloured pencil. The beige paper becomes more than just a surface, right? It acts as a sort of tonal ground, informing the final image and its muted quality. Consider also, Davies choice of materials – accessible, mass produced, less ‘precious’ than oils perhaps, bringing up interesting questions around value and the commodification of art. What does this medium suggest to you, in relation to the theme of spring? Editor: It feels like a less formal approach than, say, oil painting. Almost like sketches but they are combined and finalized in a romantic theme as intimism, but I guess the nudes would push against it at that time. Art Historian: Precisely. The material lends itself to that informal, intimate feel. Consider too, that choice, intentionally, the hand of the artist visible, rejecting a slick finish. We can’t ignore that the materials would have been available to a wider segment of the population, blurring boundaries between “high” art and more common artistic expression. Why do you think this might be important in the post WWI context when the artwork was made? Editor: So, thinking about the time this was made and who would have access to art and supplies like that does make me think of who gets to produce art and have their voice heard in culture. I wonder if there's commentary on class in his approach. Art Historian: Absolutely. And I think that is critical, in this case, questioning not just who makes art, but how the act of making, using such common materials, can itself be a statement. Something that's affordable has certain power when a painting by the masters might not be achievable. Thanks, that actually changed how I feel about this! Editor: Me too, looking at the material components, makes art more relevant.