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Etching by artist James Swann titled, 'Lincoln Park - 1938' |
The Art of Changing Times
The Roman poet Ovid once said, “Everything changes, nothing perishes;” which is a polite way of saying time stops for no one. The scientist Carl Sagan captured a related sentiment when he said, “In the universe there is no refuge from change.”Today, we might say, “Time means change,” yet this equation only recognizes time and change are connected. It does not predict how much change will occur in a specific amount of time. Massive change can happen fast and minute change can take eons. The record of change is left to poets like Ovid, scientists like Sagan, historians, and especially, artists.
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Etching by artist James Swann titled, 'Lincoln Park - 1969' |
This week’s New Arrival features a pair of etchings created by the artist James Swann (1905-1985). One of the Midwest United States’ most respected printmakers, Swann created numerous images depicting scenes of his extensive travels from Japan to Easter Island. Yet, his most famous images depict picturesque landscapes featuring energetic views of downtown Chicago. Look closely at these two pictures. One shows Lincoln Park in 1938. The other shows Lincoln Park from the exact same spot 31 years later. Together, they record an accurate image of time, change, commitment and talent.
View 1938 Etching ›› View 1969 Etching ››
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