Hamlet 

John Austen made this drawing, Hamlet, with ink on paper. The composition is striking: a stark black background is punctuated by the moon and candles, while the figures are draped in intricately patterned robes and textiles. This dramatic use of black and white creates a sense of depth and mystery. Austen's highly stylized approach reflects the influence of the Art Deco movement, where clean lines and geometric patterns were favoured. The linear quality and contrasting textures create an interesting visual rhythm. The body of Ophelia is rendered almost weightless, in contrast to the heavy ornamentation surrounding her. The drawing creates a tension between the flatness of the decorative patterns and the illusion of three-dimensionality. This push and pull invites us to consider how Austen uses form to destabilize our expectations of representation, leaving us to consider the layers of meaning embedded in this complex image.