A Hit c. 1943

Mervin Jules made this print, A Hit, and I just love the way it captures a moment of intense action. The colours are muted, mostly greens, blues, and browns, but there's still a dynamism that comes through, I think due to the artist's choice of composition. I wonder, what does it take to catch a fleeting second, to freeze it? It’s like trying to pin down a feeling! There is a real sense of movement here as the batter connects, swinging with all his might. The tension almost vibrates, you can feel it running through the players, but also the spectators. There is almost a sense of humor, as the players are awkwardly posed, their expressions full of drama. It makes me think about other artists, like Bellows, who were also drawn to the energy of sports. Ultimately, art is like a game of catch, where artists toss ideas back and forth across time.