Feu sous l'eau (Fire Under the Water) 1955

Feu sous l'eau, or Fire Under the Water, was made by Stanley William Hayter in 1955. Hayter was at the forefront of the mid-century printmaking revival, creating innovative techniques and abstract imagery. This print pulses with Hayter's signature dynamism and surrealist influences. The swirling lines and contrasting colors evoke a sense of tension and release. It seems to challenge the traditional role of printmaking as a medium for reproduction, instead using it to explore subconscious realms. The layering of textures and tones creates a rich visual experience, inviting the viewer to delve deeper into its enigmatic depths. Consider the title, Fire Under the Water, as you look at the piece. The title highlights the artist’s interest in exploring paradoxical relationships. Note how Hayter develops alternative narratives to create a sense of both chaos and harmony, reflecting the complexities of the human psyche.