Icarus 1963

John Dowell made this print, "Icarus", with dark inks that bleed into each other, creating something that feels both solid and dissolving. Look at how the splatters of ink evoke a sense of cosmic dust, like Icarus is falling through space. I wonder what Dowell was thinking about while making it. It’s like he’s not just telling a story but trying to feel it out through the ink itself. I love the textures he's achieved, and it's so physical, so involved, not just in concept, but in process. The central, dark, burst suggests the wings, and the whole piece gives you a sense of spiraling and plummeting. It reminds me of Goya, but with a more contemporary feel. Artists are always riffing off each other, aren't they? This piece is a great example of how something so classic can be re-imagined in a totally fresh way. It's about pushing boundaries, trying new things, and seeing where it all leads.