Insects 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this drawing of insects with ink on paper. Though these materials are traditional, the artist's approach feels anything but conventional. Look at the way Kittelsen uses simple lines to conjure the frantic, buzzing energy of the insects. The stark contrast of black ink on white paper heightens the sense of urgency and unease. The swirling vortex of lines around the insects suggests a kind of inescapable trap. The labor involved in creating such a detailed drawing, even with simple materials, is considerable. The image may seem like a straightforward depiction of nature, but it also hints at broader social issues. The insects, caught in their frenzied dance, could be seen as a metaphor for human behavior within industrial society, blindly consumed by labor. Kittelsen’s choice to elevate this everyday scene challenges our conventional notions of fine art.