Návraty I (Returns I) 1992

Josef Hlavácek made this print, Návraty I, with color and pattern, focusing on the possibilities of woodcut as a medium. Look at the way Hlavácek lets the wood grain and the textures of the cut blocks do their thing; the linear details in yellow dance with the warmer tones, adding a layer of visual rhythm. The central pink and grey area introduces a cooler note that allows your eye to rest, and consider the overall structure. It's all about the layering, literally and figuratively. The translucency of the inks allows the colors to interact, creating depth and a sense of space. It's like a visual echo of Hlavácek's creative process, each layer a step in a journey of discovery. Like Sean Scully’s stripe paintings or Elizabeth Murray’s playful shapes, the relationships Hlavácek constructs open up a space of thought and feeling. It’s not about answers, but the ongoing adventure of looking.