News Roundup c. 1950

This is an undated etching titled News Roundup, made by Robert Joseph Massey. Isn't it interesting how Massey renders the scene in soft shades of black and gray? The limited palette really draws your eye to the contrasting textures, the rough surfaces against the smooth ones. I get the feeling that Massey approached the plate as a kind of conversation, with each mark responding to the last. Take the way the light pools on the floor, it’s almost a character in itself. The way the shadows stretch and distort gives it a kind of spooky presence, adding a layer of emotional depth to the piece. It reminds me of some of Edward Hopper's more intimate works. Both artists share an interest in everyday life, creating narratives that are open to interpretation. News Roundup invites us to pause, reflect, and find our own story within its delicate lines.