Subway 1950

This aquatint, called "Subway", was made in 1950 by Grevis Melville. The image has been achieved through the labor-intensive process of intaglio printmaking, where the image is etched into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The use of aquatint lends the image a tonal depth, contrasting stark blacks with subtle gradations of gray. See how Melville has exploited the potential of the medium, creating a composition of overlapping geometric forms that evoke the subterranean world of the subway. The printmaking process itself, which is a process of reproduction, mirrors the repetitive nature of labor and transit within the urban environment. While the image is abstract, it references modern life. Melville transforms everyday architecture into a powerful commentary on industrialization and the human experience. Considering the materials, making, and context allows us to understand the broader social and cultural significance of the image, challenging any distinctions between fine art and craft.