Vorstadtfrühling c. 1929

Karl Wiener made this evocative, graphic woodcut print. The stark contrast between black and white gives it a real punch, doesn't it? I love how Wiener uses simple lines and shapes to create depth and texture. Take a look at the rooftops. The diagonal lines there almost vibrate, giving a sense of the rough, tarred surface. Then, see how the bare trees reach up into the sky, their branches like tangled wire. It's like a little stage set, a world made of shadows and light. It reminds me of some of the early 20th century German Expressionist prints, where artists were using woodcuts to express feelings of anxiety and alienation. Maybe it’s because of this and it’s limited palette, but it feels like a distillation of city life, a quiet moment captured in a bold way. Art's not about answers, is it? It's about the conversation.