A Vision c. late 1930s

Carl Hoeckner's lithograph, "A Vision," presents a stark, monochromatic landscape filled with ambiguous figures and forms. The composition is dominated by swirling patterns and contrasting textures, creating an unsettling visual experience. The dark figures appear to be caught in a vortex, their forms distorted and elongated. Lines jut across the space, connecting disparate elements and suggesting a network of unseen forces. The eye is drawn to the centre, where a dark orb hangs suspended, acting as both a focal point and a void. Hoeckner's use of lithography allows for a rich range of tonal variations, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the image. The lack of clear spatial relationships further destabilizes our understanding of the scene. The swirling, chaotic composition could be interpreted through the lens of post-structuralist thought, where fixed meanings are challenged and the viewer is left to grapple with multiple, often contradictory, interpretations. "A Vision" thus becomes a site of ongoing interpretation, reflecting the instability of meaning itself.