Varken 1923 - 1924

Julie de Graag made this print called "Varken", which is Dutch for pig, using woodcut. I imagine her carving away at that block of wood, figuring out how to render the essence of "pig-ness" with just a few bold cuts. Look at the simplicity of form – the curve of the back, the jaunty little tail. It’s like she’s distilled the idea of a pig down to its most essential elements. I love how the stark contrast between the black background and the white pig creates such a striking image. It’s both playful and powerful, capturing the animal's weight and presence, while also hinting at its vulnerability. What was she thinking about when she made it? De Graag's choice of medium adds to the artwork's appeal, woodcut being a technique that requires boldness, precision, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Artists are always looking at each other’s work and responding, and that is part of the ongoing conversation through time.