The Appointment of the four forms, from the portfolio Life Forms 1963

Olexandr Archipenko made this print titled 'The Appointment of the Four Forms' with ink, and what looks like a very fine pen. Look at that cross-hatching! The outside edge is almost vibrating with its density, creating a real contrast with the smooth, seemingly three-dimensional shapes at the centre. I love that interplay between flat and depth. The black ink has a graphic quality, so the work feels contemporary even if the forms are abstract. Let your eyes follow the lines that form the shapes. Notice how they seem to hover and float. The overall effect is one of balance and harmony, even though there's no clear narrative. This approach of Archipenko reminds me of Picasso in that he seems more interested in playing with forms than making any grand statements. It's a reminder that art doesn't always need to be serious or profound to be meaningful.