Untitled 1963

This striking print was made by Gego, a German-Venezuelan artist known for her three-dimensional, linear sculptures. In this woodcut, the image emerges through a labor-intensive process of carving away from a block of wood, leaving a raised surface to be inked and printed. The stark contrast between black and white is enhanced by the deliberate use of linear marks. Note the careful way the artist cut the block to reveal the textured surface, creating an image that exists between representation and abstraction. Gego trained as an architect before embracing sculpture and printmaking. Her work often reflects an interest in the structural possibilities of line, volume, and space. She employed industrial materials and methods to create works that often blur the boundaries between art, craft, and design. Considering the material quality and labor-intensive process of carving gives insight into Gego’s artistic vision. She challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing the importance of making and the inherent beauty of simple materials.