Graskist 1975

Harrie A. Gerritz made this intaglio print, Graskist, in 1971. Look at how the sparse lines are used to suggest the form of the box, and its contents. It's all about process, isn't it? The act of making the mark is the thing itself. The texture of this work isn't about thick paint, it's the delicate scratching and layering of lines that build up the image. See how the white paper becomes an active part of the composition; the negative space describes the light falling across the box. I keep coming back to the shadows within the box. They aren't simply dark; Gerritz creates a whole world in there using a range of marks and textures to create depth and mystery. The simplicity of the image reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still-life paintings, where everyday objects are imbued with a quiet, meditative quality. Ultimately, Gerritz's print is not just an image of a box; it is an invitation to see the world with fresh eyes.