Willows near the palace 1923

Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva created "Willows near the Palace" using wood engraving, and, wow, it is giving me life! I can imagine her in the flow, carving away at the block, figuring out the composition as she went along. I love the contrast between the dark, solid forms and the delicate, almost feathery lines. It’s all black and white, but look at how she creates depth and texture. The willows themselves are like big, fluffy clouds, while the palace in the background feels solid and grand. You get a sense of place but I am really feeling how she is feeling, you know? Making a print is so different from a painting – you have to think in reverse, plan your moves carefully. I like the little bridge, the path, the formal structure of the palace. You know that graphic quality feels modern but also connected to a longer history of printmaking. It’s a conversation across time, like we artists are all just riffing off each other, trying to make something new.