Next of Kin 1943

Helen Johann made "Next of Kin," a black and white print with a distinct graphic style. I can just picture her, methodically carving into the block, each line a deliberate mark. There’s such a strong sense of graphic storytelling here. It feels so contemporary, but it's also a little time-worn and folk-arty. The textures achieved through the printmaking process add depth and richness to the image, almost making me feel the grit and grain of the woodblock. I'm really drawn to the way Johann uses the varying mark-making to define light and shadow, creating a powerful contrast that heightens the emotional impact of the work. I wonder if she was looking at the German Expressionists? Ultimately, Johann's piece speaks to the power of printmaking as a medium for social commentary and personal expression. It reminds me that art is always in conversation with the past and the present.