Studies for Constructivist Sculptures [recto] 1936

Theodore Roszak made these studies for constructivist sculptures with graphite on paper, and even though they weren't dated, they have been estimated to be from 1928. The way Roszak deploys the stark contrast between the sharp lines and the softly shaded areas gives the piece a really cool dynamic. It reminds us that artmaking is not just about the end product; it’s about thinking through ideas and finding your way as you go. The texture of the paper, with all of its subtle imperfections, interacts with the graphite, creating a tactile quality even though it’s just a drawing. Look at the upper part of the image; notice the shapes filled with shading. See how some forms are densely packed with graphite, almost like soft velvet, while others are barely there? That little triangle in the top-center really pops out, like a hidden character peeking out from the scene. Roszak's constructivist explorations remind me of some of El Lissitzky’s "prouns" – maybe it's that shared interest in geometric abstraction. Ultimately, this piece leaves you with a sense of openness, as though art is an ongoing experiment where answers are less important than the questions themselves.