Untitled 1979

This untitled print was made by Franz Hitzler, and seeing the image I can almost hear the scratch of the etching needle across the plate. What’s compelling here is how a single mark, repeated and layered, can conjure an entire world. The texture is built from countless lines, each one a commitment, a small decision adding to the overall image. Look at how the lines mass and spread, creating depth and form seemingly out of nowhere. It's like he's building this space from the inside out, letting the process guide the way. The contrast between the dark, dense areas and the lighter, more open spaces gives the piece a real sense of dynamism. It reminds me a little of some of Goya's darker prints, not in subject matter, but in the way he uses aquatint to create these really intense, atmospheric spaces. Ultimately, Hitzler's print is a great example of how art can embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations.