-Aristocrat- stapling machine 1937

Curator: Lester L. Wheeler’s photograph, titled "-Aristocrat- stapling machine," dates from 1937 and is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection. Editor: The photograph immediately evokes a sense of streamlined modernity; its colors and shapes present an unusual perspective on an otherwise ordinary object. Curator: It’s interesting how the formal elements—the curves and the contrasted color palette—transform the utilitarian into something sleek. The photograph abstracts it. Editor: It's not just sleekness, though, is it? The name “Aristocrat,” and the almost jewel-like presentation, imbue the machine with a kind of aspirational quality, speaking to status and sophistication even in everyday office life. Think about what a powerful symbol that was during the late Depression era. Curator: That elevation is interesting, specifically how this photograph, through meticulous composition and lighting, makes a comment on class and labor. Editor: Right, the humble stapler elevated, presented like royalty! There’s a potent commentary here about the allure of luxury during hard times, a cultural dream being woven even around the most functional tools. Curator: The composition certainly enhances this. Look at the dark band along the bottom and top, they provide this base or architectural structure for the sculptural, translucent stapler. This is a celebration of form above utility. Editor: Perhaps, but aren’t form and utility intrinsically linked? Wheeler isn't just showing us an object; he's hinting at the social narrative embedded within. That green and gold reminds me of the decadence of art deco design which swept through everyday culture. Curator: Indeed. In the final analysis, I feel it is more than a nod to Art Deco. The artistry lies in the transmutation of a tool to a piece of streamlined sculpture, celebrating functionalism through pure visual delight. Editor: I concur—Wheeler prompts us to consider the objects that quietly shape our culture, elevated from mundane to symbolic through thoughtful presentation.