Aurora 1977

Will Barnet made this dreamlike print, "Aurora," with lithographic ink on paper. I wonder, when Barnet was making this, was he thinking about Bonnard? I can see them both sympathizing with the quiet moments of domestic life. Here, a woman reclines, engrossed in a book, her cat a familiar presence nearby. The flat planes of muted tones create a tranquil atmosphere, but it's not saccharine, right? The branch outside is casting a dark shadow. And the cat's eyes are open. Are we sure it's relaxed? There is a tension in the air – a sense of stillness and mystery. The woman's black hair cascades down her shoulder, mirroring the cat's dark fur. It's almost as if Barnet invites us into a shared space of contemplation, where we, too, can pause and reflect on the beauty of the everyday.