Georges Rouault, Rue des Solitaires (Street of the Lonely). Etching

A longtime favorite of mine, I have been thinking about Rouault’s 'Street of the Lonely’ much more often lately. In the Miserere series, Rouault meditates on the world between wars, on suffering, destruction, humanity, and spirituality; and on the poor, marginalized people with whom he saw himself. This depiction of a dark, cold, bare street speaks about homes without people, people without homes, and the communities that suffer when its members are removed by heartless villains.

View artwork here.

Tetsuo Aoki, One by One

Recommended by Rebecca:

(Gallery Associate)

Tetsuo Aoki, One by One. Woodblock

I am struck by how Tetsuo Aoki can express so much about people with just a few figures performing a daily chore, such as waiting in line. They are together yet not – connected by the style in which he depicts them. Aoki takes great care when preparing the paper, applying the coating or sizing, not too thick, not too thin, to prevent the ink from bleeding. His austerity is reminiscent of Japanese Noh prints.

View artwork here.

Karen Kunc, Verse from Macrocosm

Recommended by Sunny:

(Collections Assistant)

Karen Kunc, Verse from the Macrocosm. Woodcut

Karen Kunc's use of color and shape is captivating. There is a contained chaos in her ultra-saturated works. Here we see deliberate choices of placement and abstraction. She also maintains a balance in warm, cool and neutral tones. Reminding me of fire, water and sand.

View artwork here.

Art Hansen, The Rope Act 1976

Recommended by Nikki:

(Art Photographer / Marketing and Exhibitions Specialist)

Art Hansen, The Rope Act 1976. Etching

Hansen is known for his nature-themed etchings, but he also created a series featuring nudes, lovers, sex workers and strip club patrons. I like the artist’s juicy depictions of women’s curves and skilled performances in the club and in his fantasies. He is honest in acknowledging his own humanness. He not only creates space for sex work, but gives sex workers authority when he prints these scenes on to paper.

View artwork here.