The tsar has his photograph taken 1983

Lanny Sommese made this poster, advertising a comic opera, using graphic arts, and a limited color palette. It's fascinating how the process of image-making is so visible, right? Look at the Tsar's face, built up with a network of etched lines, kind of like a woodcut but with a more contemporary feel. The pink hand, holding a tiny camera, is what really grabs me. It's such a playful gesture. The pink feels almost fleshy, soft against the rigid lines of the Tsar's face and the hard edges of the camera. The diagonal beam of light cuts through the composition, adding a dynamic element. This poster reminds me a little of some of David Hockney's graphic work, especially in its use of flattened perspective and bold color. But Sommese brings his own unique touch, creating a piece that's both eye-catching and thought-provoking. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation, borrowing and transforming ideas across time.