Dimensions: plate: 61 x 45.4 cm (24 x 17 7/8 in.) sheet: 75.9 x 56.5 cm (29 7/8 x 22 1/4 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
This is Stanley William Hayter’s print, Night and Day. I love the way Hayter lets the etched line just *be* itself. It’s all about process here, and about trusting that the hand knows what it’s doing, even when the eye isn’t so sure. Look at how the lines loop and tangle, like a cat playing with string. There's a lightness to the touch, even though the lines are so dense in places. It’s like he's trying to capture movement, a kind of dance, more than any fixed image. The marks are transparent, allowing you to see how the image has been built up over time. I’m reminded of Joan Miró and his automatic drawings. Both artists embrace chance and intuition, letting the subconscious guide the way. It is a reminder that art isn't about having all the answers. It's more about asking questions and embracing the beautiful messiness of it all.
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