Stencilled Wall Decoration c. 1936

This is Ray Holden's Stencilled Wall Decoration, likely made sometime in the 20th century using stencils and paint on paper. It’s a simple yet elegant study in contrasts. I find myself drawn to the play between the soft, creamy background and the stark black and white of the stenciled motifs. The shapes themselves are so lively, almost like little characters dancing across the surface. Notice the way the paint is applied—crisp and clean, suggesting a deliberate process. It's as if Holden is exploring the possibilities of line and form, one stencil at a time. The tendrils that arc across the center seem to sprout from a stylized flower. It makes me think of Matisse’s paper cut-outs, with their fluid lines and playful compositions. There’s a similar sense of joy and experimentation here, a reminder that art is as much about the process as it is about the final product.