Dishrag Diagrammatic
Print
1977 (made)
1977 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Judith Brodsky was an important figure in the feminist movement in the arts in the 1970s in the USA. The title of this piece suggests that it is in some way instructive, like a diagram. With its brilliant colour and almost hieratic disposition across the page, it unashamedly celebrates the worn and humble dishrag. The general depiction recalls a national flag, suggesting that the work of women in the home should be recognised as key to social cohesion and a source of pride, national and personal. At the same time, it is frayed and torn like the battle standard of an army which has fought long and hard. It thus suggests physically demanding effort and struggle - the 'constant battle' of the housewife against dirt and disorder perhaps? The object’s identity is not immediately clear, but once it emerges the viewer recognises its ironic humour as well as the underlying seriousness.
This print was created for a portfolio for the United Nations Year of the Woman in 1977, along with work by eleven other New Jersey artists.
This print was created for a portfolio for the United Nations Year of the Woman in 1977, along with work by eleven other New Jersey artists.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Dishrag Diagrammatic (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | Colour etching on paper |
| Brief description | Judith Brodsky: Dishrag Diagrammatic, 1977. Colour etching of a dishrag |
| Physical description | Image of torn dishcloth on a black ground, made to look like a torn and frayed flag. Horizontally striped cloth. Red, with, at top, green and blue stripes, below, yellow purple and blu stripes all on a red ground. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Limited edition |
| Copy number | I/XX |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Judith K. Brodsky / Dishrag Diagrammatic / I/XX' (Signature; title; edition number) |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased through the Julie and Robert Breckman Print Fund |
| Production | This print was created for a portfolio for the United Nations Year of the Woman in 1977, along with work by eleven other New Jersey artists. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Judith Brodsky was an important figure in the feminist movement in the arts in the 1970s in the USA. The title of this piece suggests that it is in some way instructive, like a diagram. With its brilliant colour and almost hieratic disposition across the page, it unashamedly celebrates the worn and humble dishrag. The general depiction recalls a national flag, suggesting that the work of women in the home should be recognised as key to social cohesion and a source of pride, national and personal. At the same time, it is frayed and torn like the battle standard of an army which has fought long and hard. It thus suggests physically demanding effort and struggle - the 'constant battle' of the housewife against dirt and disorder perhaps? The object’s identity is not immediately clear, but once it emerges the viewer recognises its ironic humour as well as the underlying seriousness. This print was created for a portfolio for the United Nations Year of the Woman in 1977, along with work by eleven other New Jersey artists. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.135-2005 |
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| Record created | December 29, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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