WASP Congressional Gold Medal

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on January 6, 2016 at 10:10am

Curator’s Comments:  

 

It’s interesting to see this body of work on the site, which seems to have a strongly narrative and illustrative bent.  Indeed, many of the pieces seem to have been created in the service of commemorative events or monetary designs. WASP Congressional Gold Medal is my favorite of the coin images, for it has an interesting aesthetic which feels decidedly more contemporary, along with a nod to Art Deco characteristics. The single scene nicely sets up the larger portrait with a back image of three women walking under aircraft.  It gives a sense of the personal and individual contribution within a single gendered group.  The eye goggles, helmet and plane depicted are obviously historically significant, but the manner in which the elements break the circular tondo makes them more visually dynamic and current.  It’s also pleasing to see the design in sculpted relief. The last painting on the site- entitled or designated Filthy 13 Final obviously constructs a much more elaborate scene for the viewer.  The overall warm color palette offers welcome entry into the comradery of the assembled men, and tints the action with a faintly nostalgic mood. They are engaged with each other, but as none face forward, it lends a casual or voyeuristic angle to what could otherwise be a formal piece.  From a formal standpoint, the diagonal of the plane beautifully cuts a diagonal line through the composition, splitting the earthen tones in the bottom of the piece and the warm orange and violet sky.  So despite all of the necessary elements for the story telling, it is above all a very well-crafted and conceived work of art.