Artwork
Ballet Slipper
Ballet Slipper is a watercolor work on paper by the Contemporary Abstract artist Barbara Nessim. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1973 watercolour, Ballet Slipper, is a design study by Barbara Nessim for a potential shoe production by Carber Shoes.
Subject & Meaning
The work features four simple, side-view sketches of ballet slippers in different colours, evoking the appearance of boats or ships on a white background.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, quick lines, the watercolour showcases Nessim's playful yet precise drawing style, with handwritten notes detailing paint colours and material specifications.
History & Provenance
Created as a test of colours and shapes, possibly for a larger project, the artwork includes numbered sketches and title, indicating a systematic design process.
Artist & collection
Artist
Barbara Nessim (born 1939) is an American artist, illustrator, and educator whose work has played a significant role in expanding the boundaries between illustration, fine art, and digital media.
