Bauerntanz 1921

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner made this woodcut, Bauerntanz, and the process is so clear, you can practically smell the sawdust. The bold, graphic style, that high contrast, all adds to the scene’s raw energy. I’m drawn to the way Kirchner carves out the figures, they emerge almost violently from the wood, each line a deliberate choice, a kind of emotional shorthand. The thick and thin lines create a sense of depth and movement, like the dance is happening right now, right in front of us. Look at the faces, etched with such intensity; they're not just portraits, they’re expressions of something primal and deeply felt. I’m reminded of Munch, another artist who wasn’t afraid to dig deep into the human psyche. What both artists share is a willingness to embrace ambiguity, to suggest rather than define, making us part of the conversation.