Negro Standing 1937

Hugh Mesibov made this charcoal drawing, Negro Standing, at some point in the 20th century. It’s all about the push and pull of dark and light, isn’t it? I think about how Mesibov layered the charcoal, smudging and building up tone to create the figure’s form. The paper peeks through in places, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Look at the way the charcoal gathers around the figure's chest. It's almost sculptural, like he’s carving the figure out of the paper. You can almost feel the pressure of the charcoal stick. The figure is really solid, but the strokes are so loose and free. And the blankness of the paper is just as important as the marks. It's like a conversation between presence and absence. It reminds me a little of Philip Guston's later work. Both artists embrace a kind of rawness and immediacy. They're not afraid to leave things unresolved. Art isn’t about answers, it’s about asking questions.