Untitled 

Editor: We’re looking at an untitled painting by Seraphine Louis. It’s bursting with vibrant reds and greens, and I get a real sense of lush, overgrown nature from it. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: For me, it's about understanding the process. Look at the thick impasto, the way the oil paint has been layered. Consider the artist’s socio-economic standing. Louis worked as a cleaning lady for much of her life. Do you think the cost and accessibility of artist-quality pigments influenced her color choices or the scale of her work? Editor: That's a fascinating point. The materials she had access to, that undoubtedly shaped the art itself. I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly! Also, think about where she sourced her pigments. Some scholars suggest she used candle wax mixed with pigments. Can you imagine the labor involved in creating those brilliant colors using rudimentary materials? That creative agency and resourcefulness really challenges traditional notions of art and craft. Editor: So it’s about elevating the everyday, recognizing that resourcefulness? It’s a powerful thought to apply. Curator: Precisely. We often overlook the labor involved in making art, especially by artists who weren't part of the mainstream art world. Editor: It gives me a new respect for the painting, understanding the hands that made it, quite literally. Thanks for helping me see the art, but also the material journey to get there. Curator: It’s important to look beyond the surface and think about what creating that work actually entailed.