Pomnícek/Little Monument 1988

This lithograph titled "Pomnícek/Little Monument" by James Janícek seems to have emerged slowly, ghost-like, from the ground of the paper. You can almost see the artist layering shades of grey, working and reworking the image to bring it into focus. I can imagine Janícek in his studio, carefully considering each mark, each line, how the head interacts with the abstract cube below. The ochre markings give me a sense of unease, as if the head is merging with the geometric form that is both supporting it and acting as its foundation. Is the artist exploring a tension between figuration and abstraction? I think Janícek might be interested in the way we perceive and construct our sense of reality. I'm reminded of other printmakers who explore surreal landscapes, artists who probe the depths of the subconscious and the strange logic of dreams. It’s like he’s in conversation with them, adding his own unique voice to the mix. Artists inspire artists across time, you know?