Mills c. 1937

Salvatore Pinto made this print, called Mills, using black ink to carve an image out of a block, like a stamp. It’s all about process, that back and forth of pressure and release! Look at the dense textures Pinto creates with these etched marks. The smoke billowing from the stacks is especially great - it's like he’s scrabbling on the surface. The sharp lines and contrasts add to the dramatic effect, and the tonal range is beautiful for a black and white print. Notice how some of the marks seem to describe the architecture, while other areas are more gestural. I'm reminded of the industrial landscapes of Charles Sheeler, though Pinto brings his own unique style and perspective. Art is always about having a conversation with the past, and taking it somewhere new. Ultimately, this piece lets us ponder industry and humanity through the lens of Pinto's imagination.