Untitled (Parched Crops) c. 1935

Harriet Keese Lanfair made this print, called "Parched Crops," with tools and techniques that let her create a range of tones, from the very light sky to the deep shadows on the figures. It's all about process - how much ink to apply, how much pressure to use. There's this wonderful, almost granular texture across the whole surface. Look closely at the way the figures are rendered, almost monumental in their scale. The contrast between the rough, dry texture and the smooth volumes of the bodies creates a powerful tension. It makes you want to reach out and touch it. Notice the small figures dotted around, they are small and have a very similar posture, this adds a sense of unity to the piece. Lanfair's prints share a mood with artists like Kathe Kollwitz, who also used printmaking to express themes of struggle and resilience. What I love about this piece is that it remains open, inviting us to reflect on the relationships between humans and the environment. There's no single right answer, and that's what makes it so compelling.