Space Division Diagrams 1940

Editor: Here we have Stuart Davis's "Space Division Diagrams," created on January 25th, 1940. It's a pencil and ink drawing that feels almost like a blueprint. What can you tell us about how this diagrammatic approach fits into the art world at that time? Curator: Well, consider the socio-political climate of 1940. With war looming, there was a growing interest in systems and order. Davis's diagrams reflect a desire to understand and control space, visually echoing the era's concerns. How do you think the public might have reacted to such a structured, analytical approach to art? Editor: I guess it shows that even something as seemingly abstract as art can be deeply connected to the world around it. Curator: Precisely. These "diagrams" offer insight into the mindset of an artist navigating a complex period in history, and the role of art as a mirror reflecting society's preoccupations.