Seated Figure 1947

Paul Keene made this print of a seated figure in 1947, using black ink on paper. You can see the process in the final image: the bold, graphic marks build the form, like putting together a puzzle. The stark contrast between black and white makes the image pop. It’s a real push-pull effect! The texture is rugged and raw; you can practically feel the artist carving away at the block. Look at the way Keene uses these parallel lines to suggest the background, almost like a thicket of trees. The negative space is just as important as the figure itself, maybe even more so. It creates a sense of depth and volume, like the figure is emerging from the darkness. This reminds me of the work of German Expressionist artists like Kirchner, who also embraced bold lines and simplified forms to convey emotion. It's a powerful reminder that art doesn't need to be complicated to be impactful. It’s all about the conversation.