Pokrowa Street, Vitebsk 1922

Marc Chagall made this etching of Pokrowa Street in Vitebsk with a keen eye for the beauty in everyday life. I can imagine him standing in the street, his gaze curious and full of sympathy as he looked around at the people and buildings that he would capture in this artwork. The thin, black lines feel like they are dancing across the surface, capturing the energy of the street. Look at the figure floating horizontally, as if in a dream! It makes me wonder about Chagall's state of mind as he made this work. Was he feeling playful, nostalgic, or perhaps a little bit melancholic? Chagall clearly had a huge influence on later painters and etchers. His personal visual language makes him recognizable, yet his work also leaves space for ambiguity and individual imagination. Making art is an ongoing conversation across generations – what do you feel like you can add to the conversation?