M.C. Escher, Day and Night, 1938
M.C. Escher, Day and Night, 1938
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At the start of each Executive Leadership and Communication class in grad school, my professor showed us prints by M.C. Escher. It was Professor Amdur’s way of getting us to start thinking and open up our minds. That was the beginning of my fascination with M.C. Escher’s work.
The Artist: M.C. Escher
M.C. Escher, whose full name was Maurits Cornelis Escher, was a Dutch artist known for his mind-bending and intricate artwork that blended art and mathematics. Born in the Netherlands on June 17, 1898, Escher had a unique artistic journey that greatly influenced his work.
Escher's interest in art began at a young age, and he pursued his passion by attending the School for Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem. However, he quickly discovered that his true love was not in traditional landscapes and portraits but in the exploration of structures and patterns. This fascination with structures laid the foundation for his future artwork.
After finishing art school, Escher embarked on a journey through Spain, France, and Italy, soaking up inspiration from the rich cultural landscapes. It was during these travels that he began to develop his unique style, which combined complicated mathematics with precise draftsmanship and an eye for the unusual. His exposure to the Italian landscape also influenced some of his subtle and original works.
Although Escher was not formally trained in mathematics, he had a deep interest in the subject. He delved into the study of geometry, tessellation, and spatial logic, which became central themes in his artwork.
Escher's innovative use of tessellations became a hallmark of his work. Tessellations are repeated shapes that fit together perfectly with no gaps or overlaps, creating mesmerizing patterns. Escher's artwork featured intricate tessellations of birds, fish, reptiles, and other objects, combining them with optical illusions and impossible constructions. His ability to transform something real into something unreal captured the attention of critics, educators, and art admirers alike.
During his lifetime, M.C. Escher created 448 lithographs, woodcuts, and wood engravings. He also made more than 2000 drawings and sketches. Escher's work has had a lasting impact on popular culture. His so-called "impossible drawings" that depicted surreal and mind-boggling scenes have become iconic images.
The Art: Day and Night
Day and Night, a work from 1938, is a classic M.C. Escher creation that showcases his unique approach to art. This woodcut print cleverly divides a landscape into day and night, showing the same scene in two different temporal settings. Escher’s play with these contrasts isn't just about time. It reflects on how things change yet remain connected.
What's fascinating about Day and Night is Escher’s use of tessellation. He makes black birds morph into white birds and vice versa, creating a continuous and harmonious transformation throughout the artwork. It’s this kind of thoughtful detail that makes Escher's work stand out – he takes a simple concept and turns it into something visually intriguing.
The print also pays homage to the rural Dutch landscape, a recurring theme in Escher’s work. He captures the essence of the Netherlands, bringing the ordinary yet picturesque Dutch fields and farms to life. This reflection of his homeland not only highlights Escher’s deep connection to nature but also his ability to find beauty in everyday scenery.
The artwork’s symmetrical composition and geometric shapes demonstrate his innate grasp of mathematical principles, beautifully marrying art with science.
Day and Night is more than just a picture. It encourages us to think about our perceptions of reality and the inherent duality of life. Escher's work encourages us to reflect on how we interpret the world around us, making Day and Night not just an artwork but a profound subject for contemplation and discussion.
Sources:
About M.C. Escher. (n.d.). https://mcescher.com/about/biography/
Day and Night (1938) by Maurits Cornelis Escher. (n.d.). Artchive. https://www.artchive.com/artwork/day-and-night-maurits-cornelis-escher-1938/
M. C. Escher Biography. (n.d.). https://www.masterworksfineart.com/artists/m-c-escher/biography
M.C. Escher. (n.d.). The Art Story. https://www.theartstory.org/artist/escher-mc/
Museum Escher in Het Paleis. (2023, April 6). Day and Night. Museum Escher in the Palace. https://www.escherinhetpaleis.nl/showpiece/day-and-night/?lang=en
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