In der Brandungswelle 1949

Editor: Here we have Max Pechstein's "In der Brandungswelle," created in 1949. It's an ink drawing and it immediately strikes me as dramatic, the way the boat seems tossed about by these huge waves. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The turbulent sea and the fragile boat carry echoes of historical anxieties. Pechstein made this artwork shortly after the end of World War II. What do the large waves symbolize for you, knowing the history? Editor: I suppose they represent the upheaval and destruction of the war? And the boat represents a struggle for survival? Curator: Exactly. The wave is a primal symbol, think of the Deluge or the myth of Atlantis. Throughout history, rising tides are symbolic of chaos and purification. The act of rowing implies human struggle and resilience against a superior force. I'd say, consider also the black and white, where the contrast of darkness may symbolize the turmoil. Pechstein's palette, limited as it is, creates a sense of foreboding and perseverance. Editor: So the lack of colour intensifies the feeling of anxiety and perhaps the stark reality of the post-war period? Curator: Precisely! What colors do you associate with safety and optimism? Do you think that Pechstein did choose wisely when executing the monochrome of the ink and paper for his composition? Editor: Absolutely, adding colours would make it decorative. But black and white, the stark tonal contrast evokes rawness. Thank you, it's fascinating to think about how the imagery speaks to broader historical anxieties. Curator: It’s also an excellent reminder that even simple visual elements like waves, boats and colours can hold deep cultural weight.