Untitled (Detroit Scene) 1932

Lucienne Bloch made this print of a Detroit scene in the United States, using pencil on paper. There’s a delicacy in the rendering of light and shadow in this work. It feels like the scene has been carefully observed, but the artist has also allowed for spontaneous marks that capture the energy and rhythm of the environment. There's a real textural quality to the work, achieved through the layering of graphite. Look at the subtle differences in tone and density, the way Bloch has varied the pressure of the pencil to create depth and atmosphere. If you follow the lines across the bodies of the cars you can see the soft, smudged areas, as well as more defined, precise marks. It’s like she is building the image, line by line, allowing the pencil to move freely and intuitively across the surface. This piece reminds me of the work of Charles Sheeler, especially his industrial landscapes. But, while Sheeler's work is often precise and almost clinical, Bloch's Detroit Scene has a much more personal feel, with a sense of warmth and empathy. Art is about seeing the world through someone else's eyes, and in this print, we get a glimpse into Bloch's unique perspective.