Treinviaduct 1888 - 1945

Chris Lebeau created this small etching, 'Treinviaduct', using black ink on paper. The composition, dominated by stark contrasts, immediately captures your attention. The bridge itself is rendered in a dense cross-hatching, creating a sense of weight and solidity. This contrasts sharply with the lighter, more delicate lines used to depict the surrounding landscape. The visual elements of line and texture work together to create depth, drawing the viewer's eye towards the shadowed space beneath the viaduct. Here, Lebeau uses a semiotic system of signs to depict modernity and the natural world. The geometric precision of the bridge stands in opposition to the organic forms of the grass and sky. The bridge disrupts the horizon line and the natural landscape, perhaps suggesting a disruption to traditional ways of life. Note how Lebeau masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth. This contrast is not just aesthetic; it invites us to contemplate the relationship between industry and nature, between the constructed and the organic. This artwork is more than just a depiction of a bridge; it's an invitation to engage with a dialogue about modernity and change.