Around the Ring c. 1935 - 1943

Frank Kayden Ominsky's 'Around the Ring,' is a masterclass in mood, conjured out of ink on a plate, sometime in the 20th century. It's a great example of how artmaking can be about embracing process. Look at the tonal range, from the ghostly figures in the ring to the inky blacks of the foreground. What strikes me is the physicality of the medium – you can almost feel the artist's hand at work. See how the lines defining the figures blur and merge, giving a sense of movement and energy. It is hard to be sure, but it looks to me as if Ominsky used a drypoint needle on the plate, as well as acid, to get this feeling of fuzzy darkness. In the context of Ominsky's broader body of work, this piece stands out for its gritty realism, reminiscent of artists like George Bellows, who also captured the raw energy of urban life. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art doesn't have to provide answers, but can instead embrace ambiguity and invite multiple interpretations.