Kitchen Window c. 1930

Leo Meissner made this print, Kitchen Window, sometime in the mid-20th century. It’s all about stark contrast – black and white. The artist’s process feels so present, like we can see each deliberate cut and mark made to create this scene. The texture achieved through the linework is captivating. Meissner used very simple materials to create a world of depth. There's the interesting play of light in the panes of glass in the building outside. See how the details of the windows change from pane to pane, with a very limited tool? I love the minimal gesture that makes up the shape of the washing up on the windowsill. It really highlights the everyday nature of the scene. It puts me in mind of other artists who find beauty in the mundane, like Edward Hopper, who transforms ordinary scenes into captivating moments. Art isn't about perfection; it’s about the conversation and the exchange of ideas, and Meissner invites us into this ongoing discussion.