Waiting 1976

Will Barnet's print, *Waiting,* presents us with a scene of quiet contemplation. It's made with flat planes of color, layering of shapes and the way Barnet carves out the space, feels so intentional, like a carefully constructed stage set. The dark, almost silhouetted figures contrast with the serene blue and beige of the sea and sky. The textures are implied rather than explicit, yet the overall effect is deeply evocative. Look at the figure on the stairs, her head resting on her hand. It's a simple gesture, rendered with minimal detail, yet it speaks volumes about the feeling of solitude and anticipation. Barnet's reduction of form reminds me of Milton Avery, another artist who knew how to distill a scene down to its essence. Both artists show us that art isn’t just about what you put in, but what you leave out. It’s about trusting the viewer to bring their own experiences and emotions to the work.