Scáfani, sicilie 1933

M.C. Escher made this print of Scáfani, in Sicily, using wood. The black and white is very striking, isn't it? The textures have this incredible variation and depth. Look at the marks made on the mountain to create different tonal gradations. I find the way he renders those stone paths very satisfying, how they seem to curve around the hill. The way the light falls on the hill on the left. Now, follow the path up to the castle. Notice how those little strokes give you a sense of its physical form. See how Escher’s cuts vary from thick to thin, creating different textures, light, and dark. His marks give the whole thing a sense of movement, like it's breathing. Escher's prints remind me of Piranesi's etchings. Both artists were masters of depicting space. But Escher’s work also shares qualities with Op art. It uses visual tricks to play with our perception. Art is always a conversation, and each artist adds their own unique voice.