Untitled 

This untitled work by Fernando Calhau is made from graphite on paper. At first glance, it’s reminiscent of a textile, perhaps quilted or embroidered. The evenness of the pencil strokes, built up layer upon layer, speaks to the labor involved. It is very methodical work. Look closely, and you can see that the surface has been gently manipulated to create three-dimensional forms. These shapes suggest the presence of something just below the surface, pressing upward. There is a strange tension between the flat, two-dimensional nature of the drawing and the illusion of depth. The use of graphite is also noteworthy; it is a humble material, readily available and widely used. Yet, in Calhau's hands, it becomes a tool for creating a complex and evocative artwork. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can see how this drawing challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.