Petroglyph - Human Figures 1935 - 1942

Lala Eve Rivol made this compelling print, Petroglyph - Human Figures, the date is unknown, using a simple but effective palette of ochre and blue-grey. I love the way the shapes are defined and activated by the negative space around them, like a conversation between figure and ground. The textures in this piece are fascinating. Rivol's mark-making feels intentional, each shape given definition and intention. Take, for example, the figure at the top left. It's like a human figure with antlers, standing above what could be a rake, maybe it is a symbolic ancestor? The granular texture suggests the printmaking technique used. It has a hand-made, slightly uneven quality that I find really appealing. Looking at this piece, I'm reminded of the art of Agnes Martin, who also worked with simple shapes and muted colors to create a sense of calm and contemplation. Ultimately, this print celebrates the ambiguity and multiple layers of interpretation that make art so engaging.