Chicago--Grain Elevator IV Connecting Bridges 1926

Werner Drewes made this etching of Chicago grain elevators, probably using acid on a metal plate to create those velvety blacks and crisp whites. I imagine Drewes, bundled up against the Chicago wind, squinting at the monumental geometry of the grain elevators. Did he choose this stark viewpoint to emphasize the bridges slicing through the composition like minimalist sculptures? The way the lines converge and diverge creates such a dynamic push and pull. You can feel the artist really thinking about space and form, breaking down the world into its essential components. It reminds me of other artists working at the time who were grappling with similar ideas, like the Bauhaus artists. But there’s also something deeply personal here. Each mark seems carefully considered, a testament to Drewes’s dedication to his craft. These artists are all in conversation, and it all feels very generous. It’s a reminder that art is always evolving.