Roosters 

Shigeru Izumi created this print, titled ‘Roosters,’ using a labor-intensive process of etching and aquatint. Look closely, and you’ll see that the image is built from many tiny dots and lines. This is achieved by repeatedly exposing a metal plate to acid, each time masking off certain areas. It’s a painstaking method, more akin to craft traditions than conventional painting. The result is a richly textured surface, which gives the roosters a shimmering, almost ethereal quality. The layering of colors – greens, blues, reds – further enhances this effect, creating a sense of depth and movement. Notice the expressive quality of the lines themselves, suggesting the birds' plumage and energy. The printmaking process speaks to a wider social context: the democratization of art through reproducible media. This challenges traditional notions of artistic value, emphasizing the skill and labor involved in creating multiples. Ultimately, understanding the making of this print enriches our appreciation of its beauty and significance.