Happy New Year, 1974 (Bonne Annee, 1974) 1973

Albert Edgar Yersin made this etching, "Happy New Year, 1974," using acid to bite lines into a metal plate. The lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. The print's dreamlike quality comes from the inherent qualities of the etching process. The fine, precise lines create intricate details that invite close inspection. The process emphasizes meticulous planning and control, while the tonal range is limited, giving a sense of otherworldly detachment. The laborious process of etching—from preparing the plate to carefully controlling the acid bath—reflects a deep engagement with craft traditions. The image itself seems to present an ambivalent view on reproduction. It combines the natural world with cellular forms, implying a world that is both abundant and claustrophobic. It prompts us to consider the labor involved in creation, and what kind of future we want to build. Ultimately, Yersin's print underscores how materials and making intertwine with social and cultural meanings, challenging us to look beyond conventional definitions of art.