July 28, 2025
Communication across space and time in a Derby Museum
Hi Song,
How are you?
Last week I was in Derby, the city that gives its name to the English county of Derbyshire, and at its Art Museum I was struck by the collection of drawings and letters by the eighteenth-century English painter Joseph Wright.
I wasn't so much struck by the subjects portrayed as by the attitude behind them: I had the feeling that behind Wright's work lay an intense narrative drive and an inexhaustible curiosity. Every drawing, every study, every sketch had its own story. Every representation told a story. And in observing his works, arranged chronologically, one could notice a growth that wasn't the predictable consolidation of a style or technique but rather a gradual broadening of his artistic interests and challenges.
Wright often wrote letters to friends, colleagues and art teachers to share his ideas and ask for advice. The letters are a symbol of the collective and collaborative space Wright gave to his artistic production and show the sketches that Wright drew between sentences (see the images I attached).
Jul/29/2025
Dear, Rob
I'm so happy to receive your letter. It's like talking to our project. Every day, we exchange ideas, research, and create new things. I'm so curious about the results when they come out. I'm well aware of your potential. You'll be exposed even if you can't see it right now. This project is so much fun because we can handle and build it slowly.
Let's get back to you.
Song E
Jul/30/2025
Dear Song,
Yes, it's very exciting to correspond and develop a project together. That's why Joseph Wright's letters reminded me of our project...
His work actually made me want to start doing pencil studies and watercolors again—things I haven't done since art school!
This weekend I'm going to the Liverpool Biennial. I've decided to stay overnight, so I'm sure I'll be able to see it all!