Scilla, Calabria (January 1931) 1931

In January 1931, M.C. Escher created this lithograph called 'Scilla, Calabria'. It's a meticulously rendered scene, built up with countless tiny strokes. You can almost feel Escher patiently layering each mark, a real testament to the grind of art-making. The print has this stark contrast, a real push and pull between light and shadow. The houses stacked upon each other like some kind of architectural puzzle, feel solid. Then you notice the subtle shading; they start to melt a bit, becoming less defined. Look at the way the lines of the buildings get lost in the folds of the cliff face on the right. It's a great way of flattening forms and creating ambiguity in space. There's something of Piranesi in the way that the architecture defies expectations, and the infinite perspectives of Cubism can be seen in its spatial trickery. Ultimately, 'Scilla, Calabria' reminds us that art isn't about fixed answers, but about embracing the messiness and multiplicity of interpretation.