It is difficult to overstate the importance of Stanley William Hayter as a printmaker. His famous Atelier 17, founded in Paris in 1927, was a hugely influential learning school for a whole generation of printmakers from across the world.
His work is associated with surrealism and later abstract expressionism. His best-known works use a technique called automatism, a way to let the subconscious mind create the artwork. His early paintings and etchings are great examples of that. Highly abstract, full of sinuous lines, often with a barely recognisable human form. His innovative printing techniques included the development of viscosity etching.
This etching is a good and very typical example of Hayter’s etchings. It dates from 1951 so a bit earlier than most of the artwork here on my blog but due to the importance of its maker wanted to include it anyways. It is called ‘Danseuse du Soleil’, or ‘Sun Dance’ and was printed in an edition of 200. It exists is different colour combinations. Some examples have a lot more red and orange colours, mine has a more understated, calmer palette using mainly blues and greens. Technically this is a complicated work combining engraving, etching and a colour offset using a woodblock.
I like the dynamism in this etching. The movement, like in most works by Hayter is amazing. The contrast between the dark figure in the centre and the lighter, coloured background gives the image an unparalleled presence. The figure is floating a bit above the ground, giving the impression we’ve caught the dancer in mid air during a particularly vigorous dance. The multitude of lines accentuate the movement of the clothing while the raised arms appear to delight in the sunlight. This etching has a lovely mid-century feel to it and fits well in any interior. Examples of this work can be found among others in MOMA and the British Museum.
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