Papoea c. 1920

"Papoea" is a woodcut by Johannes Frederik Engelbert ten Klooster, created around 1920. The piece depicts the head of a Papuan man, with simplified geometric shapes and bold lines characteristic of the Expressionist style. The stark black and white contrast adds to the dramatic effect, while the artist's use of negative space emphasizes the subject's presence. The scene above the man's head, featuring a boat and stylized waves, suggests a connection to the Papuan environment and culture. This expressive piece, like much of ten Klooster's work, highlights the artist's fascination with exotic cultures and his ability to capture their essence through powerful imagery.