Plate VI from the portfolio Vulcanologies 1970

Pierre Alechinsky made 'Plate VI from the portfolio Vulcanologies' using etching and aquatint. It's like a lava lamp of the mind. A volcano shape in the center erupts with earthy greens, reds, and creams, surrounded by a mustardy yellow field, giving way to some muddy figures. I imagine Alechinsky working on this, maybe thinking about landscapes, or maybe just letting his hand wander. The etchings are so immediate, like a burst of energy captured on the plate. You can almost see the artist’s hand moving, scratching, and biting into the metal, creating these textures. The way he uses color – those pops of red against the muted greens – it's all so alive and playful. This print is a reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious; sometimes, it's about embracing the mess, the spontaneity, and the sheer joy of making. It makes me think of other process-based artists who are always in conversation and exchange of ideas, inspiring one another’s creativity.