Plate 4 1940 - 1943

Louie Ewing made this print, Plate 4, sometime in the 20th century, and the way he’s approached the zigzags reminds me that artmaking is often about setting up a pattern or a rule and then letting it play out. The coral ground really pops. It gives a warmth to the whole piece, and contrasts well against the blue and white lines. I can imagine Ewing carefully choosing each color to create this balance. Look how each zigzag is made of tiny little blocks, that really emphasize the handmade quality and the physicality of the printmaking process. The central band with diamond shapes really emphasizes how the same basic element can be combined to create diverse patterns. I’m reminded of Anni Albers and her interest in weaving as a kind of drawing. Like her work, this piece shows us how simple forms can create complexity and beauty. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful.