Lion's Head (one of pair) c. 1940

Edward DiGennero made this drawing of a Lion’s Head on paper. I love how DiGennero's approach is so process-oriented, capturing not just an image but the very act of seeing. The texture of the paper is almost palpable, and the subtle gradations of the pencil create a kind of ghostly presence. The lion is serious, but also there is a gentleness. The shading around the eyes is soft, giving the head a sense of depth and volume, yet also it's like the lion is dreaming. Notice the marks around the mane, almost like the lines are radiating outward, vibrating with a kind of energy. This piece reminds me of some of Guston's later works, in that both artists share a similar commitment to mark-making and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. Ultimately, it is a reminder that art is not about answers, but about asking questions and inviting us to see the world in new ways.