Art in Action II c. 1930

Esther Bruton made this print, Art in Action II, using etching. The quickness of line describes figures gazing upwards, and it’s the kind of image that has a ‘snapshot’ feel to it. There’s no real sense of depth in the piece, but Bruton gives each person their own distinct attitude. Looking closely, you can see how the lines vary in thickness and weight. Some are delicate and thin, suggesting light or shadow, while others are bolder, describing the contours of the figures. The etching process allows for a beautiful range of tones, and Bruton really uses it here to create a sense of depth and texture. And, there are the subtle cross-hatching and shading throughout the image, which add to its richness and complexity. I’m reminded of Jacob Lawrence, who also worked with simplified forms to capture scenes of everyday life. Both artists share a knack for distilling complex narratives into something direct and affecting. Art, just like life, is never quite fixed or certain. It's always moving, shifting, and surprising us in unexpected ways.