Stars and Disasters (Astres et Désastres) 1969

Pierre Alechinsky made this print, Stars and Disasters, probably sometime in the last century. It's a great example of how artmaking is really a process of layering, both literally and conceptually. Look at the textures, the colors, and the frantic lines. See how they all pile up, creating this sense of controlled chaos? It’s like a cosmic doodle! The central triangle, surrounded by all this energetic scribbling, reminds me of how we try to find order in the universe, but the universe, like Alechinsky’s hand, has other ideas. The way Alechinsky uses the printmaking medium here is also really exciting. The thin lines and almost transparent washes of color give the piece a light, airy feel, even though the composition is so dense. It’s like he’s using the medium to capture the fleeting, ephemeral nature of stars and, well, disasters. I'm reminded of Joan Miró, another artist who wasn’t afraid to let his imagination run wild on the canvas. Both artists show us that art isn’t about perfection, it’s about embracing the mess, the uncertainty, and the sheer joy of making something new.