Figures 1 1956

Samuel Calman Maitin created "Figures 1," a striking print where monochromatic forms emerge from a textured dark ground. The composition feels dense, a tapestry of stylized figures rendered with expressive lines and shapes. The contrast between the white figures and black backdrop creates a visually stimulating push and pull. These forms are reminiscent of totemic figures or perhaps characters from a dreamscape, each containing intricate details and geometric patterns. There's a sense of depth here, achieved through overlapping shapes and the layering of lines, which draw the eye into the composition. The rough texture adds an interesting dimension, contrasting the smoothness of the figures and alluding to the physical process of printmaking. The shapes feel almost like symbols or hieroglyphs, inviting interpretation and speculation. This work does not seek to represent reality but to engage with the viewer on a more conceptual level. In doing so, it encourages us to consider how we create meaning through visual signs and forms.