Symbolic cues structure the narrative. The crossed words reference recruiters’ first question (“Do you like crossword puzzles?”) while nautical patterns nod to the U.S. Navy, an early leader in recruiting women codebreakers. A set of playing cards displays the first few digits of an intercepted 1943 message, pointing to chance, risk, and the hidden mathematics of cryptography. A palette of blues, browns, and mauves unifies this layered scene.
Despite decisive contributions, most “Code Girls” returned to domestic roles after the war, their work unrecognized for decades. A nursery vignette at right acknowledges that push back to domesticity — ABC letters counter the crossed words to the left while a “crib” (a codebreaking aid) quietly affirms these women’s ongoing intelligence and problem-solving acuity.
Code Girls weaves together World War II women’s history, cryptography, U.S. naval history, and home-front stories in a contemporary, narrative assemblage.
Materials: Aventurine, onyx, freshwater pearls, Murano glass, dollhouse miniatures, craft letters, fabric, paper, art board, drawer liner, wood
Framing: Custom deep black wooden frame with museum glass by Chevy Chase Art Gallery, Washington, DC.