Static and Revolving 1947

Louis Schanker made this print, Static and Revolving, using a woodcut, a process in which he carved into the wood and then printed the image. It’s all about lines here: hatching, cross-hatching, scribbles that catch the light. Look at the lower right corner. You can almost feel Schanker’s hand moving, creating a dense, rhythmic pattern. It reminds me of those doodles I make when I'm on the phone. The way he builds up layers of marks is almost like he's sculpting the light, pulling it in and out of the darkness. This print reminds me a bit of Joan Miró. There is something in the strange composition, but also the limited palette and use of black as a ground for his figures to play on. Art is always in conversation, and Schanker is very clearly listening in!