Spherical Self Portrait 1950

M.C. Escher made this self-portrait, Spherical Self Portrait, using the medium of lithography, but, really, it's about process, about seeing, about rendering. There's this intense layering of black ink, precisely laid, to build depth and dimension, transforming a flat surface into a world that curves and reflects, all within the confines of the sphere. It's like looking into a crystal ball, or a fish-eye lens. Escher meticulously crafted each line, the thickness and proximity of the lines vary to create gradients of tone. Look closely at how the hatch marks on the sphere create the illusion of a smooth, reflective surface. The density of the marks create the illusion of light and shadow. Escher makes me think of Sol Lewitt and his use of systems. But, even though their work is very different, both reveled in how artmaking can be a self-generating game. It's the opposite of fixed, embracing ambiguity and change.