Untitled 1916

Nicholas Roerich made this print "Untitled" using stark black ink, a process that, like painting, is all about decisions. See how he carves out a world with such limited means, building layer upon layer, using the white of the paper like an untouched thought? The ink seems to vibrate on the page. The image itself is a view through an archway or cave opening, framing a distant architectural skyline. The texture of the printmaking creates a moody atmosphere, like a dreamscape. The marks are direct and unpretentious. In the lower part of the image, see how the ink strokes build up to create the illusion of depth and shadow. The simple forms recall Giorgio de Chirico's metaphysical landscapes, where simplified shapes and sharp contrasts evoke a feeling of stillness and mystery. Artmaking is about seeing and feeling the world, then responding. Like this piece, it's a journey of the mind.