Rooftops 1990

Frederick Mershimer made this etching called ‘Rooftops’ with ink on paper. You know, when I look at it, I think about the way an artist builds a picture bit by bit, mark by mark, just like building a city itself. There’s a lot of emphasis on the sky here, with these dramatic clouds. It's interesting to me how the artist used the black ink to suggest depth and volume. See how the clouds feel both heavy and light at the same time? It's all about the layering and the texture, a real balancing act of dark and light. Look at the rooftops themselves, and the tangle of pipes and vents. These details really ground the piece, giving it a sense of place. It reminds me of some of the etchings of cityscapes by Whistler or maybe Piranesi, but with a modern, more personal touch. But ultimately, what makes this work special is how it invites you to get lost in its details, and to find something new each time.