Untitled (Urban Scene-Man & Smokestacks) c. 1935 - 1940

Irving Lehman made this evocative urban scene with a woodcut, sometime in the mid-20th century. The stark contrast between black and white gives it a powerful, graphic punch, and it’s all about the push and pull of shapes. Look at how Lehman uses these hard, angular lines to build up the cityscape. It's like a series of blocks stacked on top of each other, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The smokestacks on the left reach up towards the moon like skeletal fingers. There's such a dynamic energy in the way these forms intersect and overlap. I’m reminded of artists like the German Expressionist, Lyonel Feininger, who also used geometric forms to convey the gritty energy of the modern city. But Lehman brings his own unique vision to the table. It’s a conversation across time and place. And like all good art, it leaves you with more questions than answers.