Plane-filling Motif with Fish and Bird 1951

M.C. Escher created this woodcut titled "Plane-filling Motif with Fish and Bird" which embodies his exploration of mathematical concepts like tessellations, which fit together without gaps or overlaps. Escher's fascination with tessellations reflects a broader interest in the structure of the universe, shared by many artists in the early to mid-20th century as they grappled with social and political uncertainty. Escher was known to say, “The things I want to express are so beautiful and pure." His work offers an escape into a world of symmetry and order. The black and white contrast creates a visually striking image, with each fish meticulously detailed. The repetitive nature of the pattern invites contemplation on themes of infinity, unity and the relationship between individual elements and the whole. Escher's image becomes a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life. It asks us to consider how we fit into the world, and how we are all part of a larger pattern.