Forms in Space 1952 - 1964

Shirley Witebsky made this print, Forms in Space, with etching. The restrained palette of grays and blacks is punctuated with these bursts of red, white, and blue, creating a push-pull effect that I really appreciate. Looking closely, I can see the marks of the etching process, the slight imperfections in the lines that give the piece a handmade feel. These fine lines create depth and texture, giving the impression of a mysterious, somewhat cavernous, space inhabited by floating forms. It makes me think about the idea of experimentation, or discovery. These shapes seem to be suspended in a state of becoming, like thoughts or ideas taking shape in the artist’s mind. I keep returning to the way Witebsky’s line meanders and finds its way. "Forms in Space" reminds me of some of the work of Lee Bontecou with her dark, cavernous forms. Both artists are interested in space and shape as a way of exploring the interior landscape of the mind. Ultimately, this print is a reminder that art is not about answers, but about the questions we ask and the spaces we create in the process.