Summer [recto] 1956

Jacob Kainen made this drawing with brush and ink, and it feels like the image emerged spontaneously through the act of painting. I can imagine him thinking about process over product, with the overall composition evolving through trial, error, and intuition. Just look at those sweeping marks of layered ink, like he’s building up the image one gesture at a time, almost like he's sculpting with ink. The monochrome palette creates a sense of unity, but it is the variation in tone, texture, and density of the ink that brings dynamism to the drawing. Those thick, bold strokes stand in contrast to the delicate thin lines, activating the surface. I love the way the composition embraces ambiguity, like he’s inviting us to join in on the journey, rather than presenting a finished idea. The act of painting is an ongoing conversation, with artists borrowing and building upon each other’s ideas across time, inspiring our own creativity.