Menachem Mendi 1957 - 1961

Editor: So, this is "Menachem Mendi" by Anatoli Lvovich Kaplan, made sometime between 1957 and 1961. It’s a print, using charcoal and maybe pencil? It’s… kind of haunting. The charcoal is really expressive. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: It's fascinating to consider Kaplan's choice of charcoal and printmaking during this period. The very act of choosing such readily available, perhaps even 'humble', materials speaks volumes about artistic agency under potentially restrictive conditions. How do you think the use of a printmaking process influences the perception of the work compared to, say, a unique charcoal drawing? Editor: Well, I guess it means it could be widely distributed, so that feels… almost rebellious, making an image like this accessible to many, rather than just the elite few who could own an original. But what about the figure himself, Mendi? Curator: Exactly. Consider the socio-political context. The artist could be aiming for distribution and challenging elitism by producing prints rather than unique artworks. Mendi could have been from the working class. What does his clothing suggest to you about his social standing, and how does that play into Kaplan's choice of medium? Editor: He seems simply dressed, but dignified. Maybe the artist is highlighting the value and strength of ordinary people by using reproducible, accessible means to depict them. So the materials are crucial to understanding the message. Curator: Precisely. Kaplan’s choice wasn’t just about aesthetics, but about engaging with the social realities around him through readily available tools. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. So, seeing the choice of materials as a statement in itself. It changes how I see the whole piece. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Looking at the material conditions can truly unlock deeper understandings.