Street Musicians c. 1930

Alexander Zerdin Kruse’s print of “Street Musicians” is made using black ink on paper, with the kind of mark making that shows its process. The work is built up of many tiny marks, closely placed, with a focus on texture; you can see it in the way the light reflects off the tuba! It's fascinating how Kruse captures a sense of musicality with these static visual elements. Look at the foreground: see how the street is built with many lines which give a sense of movement and rhythm? Kruse wasn't afraid to let the process be visible; the hatching marks create depth and volume and give the piece a lively, energetic feel. There's a sense of humanity in the imperfect lines, a reminder that art is made by people, not machines. It reminds me of Grosz with the density of its mark making, but where Grosz is biting, Kruse is celebratory. It's a piece that invites you to listen.