Armchair c. 1936

Simon Weiss made this watercolor and graphite drawing of an armchair, but we don't know exactly when. The colors are muted, almost as if they've faded with time, which adds to the quiet, contemplative mood. Looking at this drawing, I'm struck by the textures Weiss creates with such simple means. The velvety softness of the chair's upholstery is achieved with subtle gradations of color. Notice how the light seems to catch the fabric, creating delicate highlights that give it depth. Then, there's the way the light catches the wood, the subtle variations in tone suggest the smooth, polished surface. Each mark feels deliberate, carefully considered. This piece reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin’s work, in the way it finds beauty in the everyday. It's a testament to how much can be expressed with just a few lines and colors, and that art is an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time.