Black and White: de Rigueur

Black and white has always been timeless. It's as though the absence of color also makes possible the absence of the passing of time. Through the achromatic lens of pen and ink, time seems to stand still; images depicted take on an ethereal or visceral quality.

In fact, once our eyes become accustomed to seeing artwork portrayed in black and white, color can seem quite vulgar, less sophisticated. That's not to say we would prefer never to see color. But within our world drenched in every color imaginable, there exists these black and white oases compelling us to stop and take a closer look.

Black and white erases confusion, leaving behind a beautiful simplicity. Without the distraction of color, a deeper connection with an image is possible. What stories does it tell? What inner memories does it awaken? Because colors have not been arbitrarily chosen by the artist, our own experiences and imagination can put colors into black and white, making our connection with the artwork deeply personal and interpretive.

By its very nature, the two contrasting values of black and white create imagery that is bold and powerful. Complementing each other in the perfect way, they play a symphony of push and pull, dark and light, high and low. Opposites attract, and in this case, they attract absolutely. An abstraction of elements becomes visible that would not be possible otherwise. Images portrayed in black and white can be very dramatic or can achieve a sense of serenity and calmness.

Black and white artwork really does deserve a special place in our existence. It exhibits a special kind of charm, a poetry imprinted on our minds and hearts. Above all, black and white exudes an irrefutable elegance and beauty that enriches our lives.