Pokrowa Street, Vitebsk 1922

Marc Chagall made this etching called Pokrowa Street, Vitebsk, and it’s like he’s pulling memories right out of the air. The lines are scratchy and raw, like he’s in a hurry to capture something before it floats away. Look how the houses lean and the figures float; there’s a real sense of movement. It’s all in these little details, like the wonky horizon line and the way he suggests light with just a few quick strokes. There’s a figure, I think, tumbling through the street, arms outstretched. It could be a memory, a dream, or a little bit of both. Chagall reminds me of Paul Klee. Both artists create worlds where the familiar becomes strange and wonderful. These works aren't static. Instead, they invite you to wander through a world seen through someone else's eyes.