Aften 1907

Louise Ravn-Hansen made this etching, Aften, which translates as 'Evening', using a metal plate to create a scene that’s just awash with mood. Look at the way she builds up the tones, like whispers layered upon whispers. See the scratchy marks building the craggy land, meeting the water which reflects the ghostly moon. It’s a masterclass in how texture and light can evoke a feeling, a memory of a place. I love the way Ravn-Hansen uses the etching technique to create a velvety darkness, punctuated by the moon’s ethereal glow. It’s all about the process, the patient accumulation of tiny marks to create something that feels so much bigger. Like the way Agnes Martin used to layer her grids, Ravn-Hansen understands that art is about building something from almost nothing, trusting the process, and embracing the mystery along the way.