Evening in Pennsylvania c. 1941

Louise Arnstein Freedman made this evocative print, Evening in Pennsylvania, at an unknown date using graphic media. The way the artist’s hand moves and dances over the surface reminds us that art is a process; a way of seeing, thinking, and experiencing the world. Notice how Freedman boldly simplifies shapes and flattens the perspective, creating a slightly off-kilter world. The textured effect achieved with the printmaking process enlivens the surface, giving it a tactile quality. The colour is applied in distinct blocks, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere, like a stage set. Look at the way the evening light casts a yellow glow on the buildings, adding a touch of warmth to an otherwise industrial landscape. This print reminds me of the work of the German Expressionists, who also sought to capture the emotional intensity of modern life through bold colours and simplified forms. Like them, Freedman invites us to see the world in a new way, embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations.