Black Mirror 1945

Mildred Bryant Brooks created this print, titled "Black Mirror," using a monochromatic palette that feels both industrial and dreamlike. The etching itself has a real tactile quality; you can almost feel the grain of the metal plate. Look at the way she’s handled the reflections in the water. It's not just a mirror image; it's like the world is dissolving, becoming something else entirely. The contrast between the solidity of the oil derricks and the fluidity of the water creates a tension that’s really captivating. Then there are the boats, these small, human-scale objects dwarfed by the machinery, hinting at both human ingenuity and vulnerability. It reminds me a little of Piranesi's etchings, that same sense of vast, almost surreal spaces, but Brooks brings a distinctly American sensibility to it. Ultimately, this print invites us to reflect on our relationship with the environment, our ambition, and the stories that objects tell.