Peter Hickey's "Rockefeller Centre," an aquatint etching limited to an edition of 20, is a charming piece that elicits the sensation of movement and the fleeting moments of urban life. The piece showcases Hickey's profound ability to capture the essence of New York City's vivacity, interpreted through the a fresh approach to realism meshed with whispers of impressionist elements.
The figures are rendered in varying degrees of opacity, suggesting motion and the passage of time. The softness of the aquatint technique imbues the scene with a dreamlike quality, while the realism roots the figures in a tangible space, inspired by the artist's own observations during his travels.
Hickey's etching invites an emotional resonance that speaks to the collective joy and individual introspection that urban environments can invoke. Each figure, isolated in their own movement, also contributes to the overall dynamic of the group, creating a microcosm of city life where personal and communal experiences coalesce in the simple pleasure of an afternoon of ice skating.
In comparison with other artists who have employed similar etching techniques, Hickey's work aligns itself with the tradition of printmakers who explore the human condition within urban settings. His style can be seen as a contemporary continuation of the Impressionists' fascination with capturing the ephemeral, while also nodding to the realism of earlier etchers who sought to depict life with stark honesty.
The artwork does not overwhelm with dramatic contrasts or vivid colours, but rather, it gently pulls the viewer into a reflective state using a monochromatic pallet. This quality is reminiscent of the works of James McNeill Whistler, whose own prints often evoked mood over explicit narrative.
Peter Hickey's style, while unique, can be related to the success of artists such as Edward Hopper, whose etchings also dealt with urban scenes and solitary figures. However, Hickey's approach is less about the alienation often found in Hopper's work and more about the fluidity and interconnectedness of urban life. This stylistic choice sets Hickey apart, allowing the viewer to ponder the transitory nature of the moments we share in public spaces.
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).
- Edition: Edition 16 of 20
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