Red Hollyhocks 1954

Werner Drewes made this woodcut print, Red Hollyhocks, with boldly carved shapes and blocks of color. I love the stark contrast between the red, green, and black, giving the flowers a striking presence. I can almost feel the artist's hand as he carved away at the wood, each cut a deliberate choice. What was he thinking as he chose which areas to leave raised and which to cut away? Maybe he felt a sense of urgency, wanting to capture the fleeting beauty of the hollyhocks before they faded. I see the influence of German Expressionism, a movement that emphasized emotional experience. I imagine the rough texture of the wood adding to the print's tactile quality. You can almost feel the artist’s hand at work. Painters are always talking to each other across time. Just like a painting, a print opens up space, allowing for endless interpretations and meaning.