Split Infinitive 1989

Eve Aschheim created "Split Infinitive" using charcoal and paint on paper, a combination of dry and wet media that allows for both precision and expressive gesture. Look closely and you'll see how the stark contrast of black and white defines the composition, and how the charcoal sketches create a foundation of nuanced grays, adding depth and texture. The artist's hand is evident in every line, each stroke a deliberate act of construction and deconstruction. The application of paint over charcoal creates an interesting dynamic. The push and pull of the materials—one linear and the other planar—adds to the spatial ambiguity of the work. This ambiguity in turn underscores the significance of process, reminding us that meaning emerges not just from the image itself, but from the artist's intimate engagement with her materials. This work challenges traditional distinctions between drawing and painting, and invites us to appreciate the interplay of intention and accident.