Mision San Fernando Rey de Espana 

This drawing of Mission San Fernando Rey de España was made by James Jones, who died very young, in 1942. Jones used graphite on paper, humble materials that nonetheless allow for detailed representation. The drawing’s precision evokes architectural renderings, where lines define form and space. See how the shading captures the play of light on the mission's facade, emphasizing its texture and depth. The artist is attentive to the weathering of the building, the way that the elements have taken their toll on the built environment. This is more than just a portrait of a building. It is a record of labor: the original construction of the mission, and the work required to keep it standing. Consider, too, the social context: the mission system was of course deeply implicated in the colonial exploitation of California. Jones does not shy away from this difficult history. Instead, he invites us to contemplate the intersection of culture, labor, and memory.