Dead End c. 1935 - 1943

Edward Ferguson’s "Dead End" is a pencil drawing where the artist’s hand is very much in evidence, pressing into the paper to give us a range of grays. It’s all about process, layering tones to build up the image. I’m drawn to the way Ferguson handles the clouds; they’re not just backdrop but seem to have a real weight, like they’re pressing down on the scene. The texture of the clouds, achieved with dense, swirling lines, contrasts with the more regimented strokes used for the buildings, it's like two different worlds colliding. Look closely, and you’ll notice the lightning strike – a small detail, but it adds a sense of drama. The dark, brooding atmosphere reminds me of Charles Burchfield, who was a master of mood. But where Burchfield's work often has a mystical quality, Ferguson’s feels more grounded, more immediate. Ultimately, "Dead End" is a reminder that art doesn't always need to offer easy answers. Sometimes, it's enough to ask questions and invite us to linger in the ambiguity.