Santiago Dance in Zia 1946

Ira Moskowitz made "Santiago Dance in Zia" in 1946, using engraving to capture a scene of cultural performance. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, where the artist uses a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate. The stark contrast between the etched lines and the untouched paper creates a dramatic scene. The dense network of fine lines gives form to the figures, the buildings, and the texture of the clothing. The act of engraving itself, a slow, deliberate process of physically carving the image, speaks to a dedication to craft. By choosing engraving, a traditional method, Moskowitz links his work to a long lineage of artists who valued the tactile engagement with materials. The labor-intensive nature of engraving contrasts with the instantaneous image capture of photography, emphasizing the artist's hand and the value of skilled work. This print invites us to consider the labor involved not only in its production but also in the cultural traditions it depicts.