Untitled 2021

This untitled etching was made in 2016 by EtchingRoom1, and I love the raw, almost folksy quality of it. The artist is not trying to be too refined, instead favoring a direct and unpretentious approach to mark-making. The stark black and white palette creates a dramatic contrast, and the textures achieved through etching give the piece a tactile feel. The figures emerge from a field of dense, dark hatching. You can almost feel the scratch of the etching needle on the plate. Look at the woman’s hands – so expressive, with their elongated fingers. The cross-hatching on the cushion is really wonderful! This image reminds me a little of the work of Max Beckmann, who also used printmaking to create scenes filled with symbolism. Ultimately, the meaning is elusive. Like all good art, this etching invites us to linger and ask our own questions.