Partal 1972

This is Leonard Lehrer’s "Partal," a drawing that invites us into a space of serene observation, rendered entirely in shades of grey. The piece is about seeing, but also about the act of making and of close looking. What strikes me is the density of marks, built up to create the illusion of depth and texture. Lehrer is not afraid to let the process show, almost revelling in the repetition and variation of lines and dots that accumulate to form the image. There’s a real commitment to the physical labor of drawing here. Look closely at the way he renders the trees – the density of the foliage is achieved through layers upon layers of tiny marks, creating a visual tapestry that’s both intricate and immersive. It reminds me a little of Vija Celmins' meticulous drawings, though Lehrer brings a slightly different sensibility to the table. Both artists show us how art is an ongoing conversation, an exchange of ideas across time. Ultimately, Lehrer’s "Partal" encourages us to embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations, reminding us that art is not about fixed meanings but about opening up spaces of imagination.