Forms on a Plain 1940

Marjean Kettunen created this print, Forms on a Plain, using etching techniques. Born in 1926, Kettunen's artistic journey unfolded during an era marked by significant social and political change. The abstract forms might evoke different things for different viewers. I wonder about the artist’s intentions during the rise of second-wave feminism and the Civil Rights movement. The clean lines and minimalist composition seem to transcend traditional gendered representation. They hint at a desire for new forms of expression, new social constructs, and perhaps a new identity. Kettunen's work subtly challenges societal norms. It seems to invite us to reconsider our roles and expectations. The print invites introspection, prompting us to consider how we, too, might reimagine the forms that shape our lives.