Peter Hickey - City Reflections, 2006 "A New York Winter" Edition 16 of 20

This original artwork is an aquatint etching artwork by Artist Peter Hickey, titled "City Reflections", from the 2006 Folio New York Winter, as a limited edition of 20 etchings.

Peter Hickey exhibits a masterful blend of figurative and expressionist techniques that capture the essence of a moment and the emotive undercurrents of urban solitude. This piece demonstrates Hickey's adeptness in employing a refined monochromatic palette to delineate the subtleties of light and shadow that define the winter landscape of one of the world's most iconic parks. The artwork embodies a profound narrative of nature juxtaposed against urbanity, explored through the nuanced interplay of shadows and silhouettes. A limited series of twenty etchings, this piece captures the reflective dialogue between the natural world and human-made structures, offering a contemplative view of the coexistence within a metropolitan environment. Hickey's artistic style is characterized by a delicate balance of realism and inference, where each element, though distinctly defined, harmonizes into a cohesive visual experience.

In "City Reflections," the stark, dark lines of barren trees frame the softened, ghostly impressions of skyscrapers mirrored in a tranquil body of water. This technique not only enhances the visual depth but also metaphorically underscores the complexities of urban life. Influenced by the pictorialist approach of early 20th-century photography, Hickey's work resonates with the soft-focus aesthetic that emphasizes beauty and tonal variations over explicit detail. This stylistic choice is evident in his subtle gradations of grey and his focus on atmospheric effects, reminiscent of the works of James McNeill Whistler, whose paintings often evoked a similar sense of serene melancholy and poetic grace. Moreover, Hickey draws inspiration from American realist painters, particularly Edward Hopper, whose art captured the soul of New York with a poignant simplicity and an underlying narrative. Like Hopper, Hickey's "City Reflections" hints at stories untold within the silent watchfulness of the city's architectural forms. However, diverging from pure realism, Hickey infuses his work with a layer of conception that invites personal interpretation and emotional reflection, aligning him with elements of abstract expressionism where feelings and impressions override literal representations. Peter Hickey's "City Reflections" is a testament to his masterful control of aquatint etching. This medium allows for a dynamic range of tones and textures yet requires an expert hand.

Through this work, he articulates a visual language that speaks to the solitude and introspection found within the bustling energy of urban environments, encouraging us to find beauty and depth in the everyday landscapes of city life. His artwork not only captures the physicality of New York in winter but also encapsulates the city's reflective, sometimes melancholic spirit.

Note:

This artwork is a single etching and is sold separately. The etching is part of a larger folio of 9 artworks, in an edition 16 of 20. The etchings are available individually (this listing) or as a complete folio. The complete folio contains 9 different artworks in total (please refer to the edition preface plate image for the other titles in the New York Winter folio).

The complete folio is available for purchase in the original presentation box as designed by the artist. Please contact the Studio for details should you wish to purchase all 9 works (the complete New York Winter folio, 2006).