Klänge Pl.10 1913

Klänge Pl.10 was created by Wassily Kandinsky, and is a woodcut print. Woodcut is an ancient technique. It's about working with the resistant nature of the wood itself. The artist cuts away areas from the woodblock, leaving a raised design which is then inked and printed. The stark contrast between the black ink and the unprinted paper emphasizes the graphic quality of the image. Kandinsky was deeply interested in the connections between art and music, the title “Klänge” means “Sounds” in German. He used the woodcut technique to create a visual composition, mirroring the structure of music, with contrasting elements, and rhythmic lines. Look at the way the artist has used his tools to carve into the wood, the texture of the wood grain, and the marks left by the cutting process, all adding to the overall impact of the work. By exploring this non-traditional, 'folk' medium, Kandinsky brings the world of craft into the realm of fine art, inviting us to think about the value of the handmade in a world increasingly dominated by industrial production.