Untitled (Rooftops) c. 1936

This is an untitled print of rooftops, made by John P. Heins, but we don’t know exactly when. The artist uses a limited tonal range to create an image that is both representational and abstract. I’m really drawn to the texture here, you can almost feel the grainy surface of the paper and see how the ink sits on it. It’s not about the perfect depiction of reality, but more about capturing the feeling of a place. Look at how the chimneys and rooftops intersect, creating a maze of shapes and shadows. The artist’s hand is evident in every mark, reminding us that art is a process, a conversation between the artist and the medium. It reminds me of Piranesi's etchings of imaginary prisons, in the way it creates a slightly unsettling, dreamlike space. Ultimately, this print invites us to see the world in new ways, to find beauty and complexity in the everyday. It's a reminder that art is not about answers, but about asking questions.