Five Hands and One Finger 1971

Marisol Escobar’s "Five Hands and One Finger" is an etching that dives into the world of gesture and repetition. The marks are dense, creating a flurry of hands that almost seem to vibrate on the page, like a restless spirit trying to communicate. I love the way the black ink pools and gathers, giving weight and form to these disembodied hands. It’s almost sculptural, like she’s carving these shapes out of darkness. Look at the hand in the bottom right corner, the one with the distinct fingernails. There’s a tenderness there, a softness that contrasts with the overall intensity of the image. It reminds me of Jasper Johns' lithographs, where everyday objects are rendered with such care and precision that they become almost iconic. What I appreciate most about this piece is its ambiguity. Is it about communication, supplication, or simply the act of making? It leaves so much open to interpretation, which, for me, is what art is all about.