Leute c. 1935

Karl Wiener made this compelling drawing, “Leute,” using colored pencil and ink. The textural effect achieved by cross-hatching with colored pencils builds a visual narrative. The image shows a gaunt-faced man in the foreground, with shadowy figures and industrial structures in the background. Wiener's choice of materials influences the work’s somber, gritty quality. The dullness of colored pencils, combined with the stark ink, creates a melancholic and thought-provoking image. It evokes the weariness and hardship of the working class, perhaps drawing on the artist's own experiences. The visible labor involved in creating this artwork - the countless strokes of the pencils, the meticulous detailing - adds another layer of meaning. It mirrors the physical toil of industrial labor, underlining themes of social struggle. Ultimately, understanding the materials and the labor-intensive process deepens our appreciation of Wiener's work, challenging conventional notions of art and craft.