A Noite de Natal 1975

Jose Escada made this drawing, A Noite de Natal, using black ink on paper, and it's pretty intriguing. Look at the density of marks and the way they fill the King's robe with these meandering lines, it's almost topographic, like a map of some strange land. Then you've got those dark, solid circles scattered throughout. The texture and physicality of the ink – it’s not trying to hide, it’s right there on the surface, and those are our clues. It’s a real testament to the creative process itself. Take a closer look at the way Escada renders the King’s crown and the mug he's holding, compared to the swirling, almost chaotic lines of the robe. That contrast speaks volumes, right? It’s like the rigid, symbolic aspects of royalty versus the messy, uncontrollable aspects of life. It reminds me of Phillip Guston's later works, where he used simple, almost cartoonish forms to tackle some pretty complex ideas. Ultimately, this piece is a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation.