New York Structures 1929

William Meyerowitz made this etching called New York Structures sometime in the 20th century, and what strikes me first is how the city feels both solid and fleeting. Look closely, and you'll notice the lines aren't just describing edges, they're building up a sense of atmosphere. It's like he's trying to capture the city's energy, not just its form. The texture here is amazing, almost gritty. You can practically feel the roughness of the buildings. It reminds me of Piranesi’s etchings of Rome, all those imaginary prisons and monumental structures, but this feels more human, more lived-in. See how the light flickers across the surfaces? That's where the magic happens. He's not giving us a clear picture, but rather a feeling, an impression. Art isn't about answers, but about asking questions. Meyerowitz invites us to wander through his New York, to get lost in its structures, and to find our own way of seeing.