[no title] 1995

Curator: Kirkeby's untitled etching pulses with a raw, almost violent energy. Look how the dense black masses dominate the composition, contrasting with the fragility of the etched lines. Editor: It's definitely arresting. The stark contrast makes me think about the physical labor involved in its creation. What sort of plates, acids, and papers did he use to achieve this effect? Curator: The darkness to me evokes primal fears, shadowy figures, perhaps even a confrontation with the unknown depths of the psyche. It is an archetype. Editor: Maybe, but I see the process more clearly. Notice the plate marks. I wonder about the edition size and the wear on the plate itself, and its impact on the final prints. Curator: Interesting how our perspectives diverge so dramatically! Ultimately, though, this small etching invites us into Kirkeby's world and his visual language. Editor: Right, and it also makes you appreciate the hands-on, almost alchemical process of printmaking itself.