Lamp 1935 - 1942

Janet Riza drew this lamp with graphite on paper. While the medium itself is quite traditional, the subject matter is not. The image appears to be a study of a utilitarian object, and not necessarily an artwork in and of itself. The drawing's realism serves to emphasize the lamp's material presence. Graphite, with its metallic sheen, mimics the lamp’s likely construction from metal. The tight, controlled lines suggest careful observation and an interest in form and function. Look closely, and you can see the artist has taken great care in rendering the subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the lamp a three-dimensional quality. The choice to depict a common household item elevates the everyday to the level of art, blurring the lines between design and fine art. It invites us to consider the craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities inherent in even the most functional objects. This piece reminds us that beauty can be found in the ordinary, and that the act of careful observation can transform the mundane into something worthy of artistic attention.