Vleugel 1948

Leon Kosmulski’s "Vleugel," created in 1948, is a woodcut print, a medium with a rich history tied to the democratization of art. The stark contrast of black ink on paper speaks to the labor-intensive process of carving the image into a wood block. This process gives the print a unique visual language, lines carrying a certain tension. Look closely and you will notice that the parallel lines create a strong contrast between light and shadow. The design features a surreal scene with a grand piano, emerging from turbulent waves. Woodcut, unlike painting, allows for multiples, making art more accessible beyond elite circles. The artist's choice of this medium suggests a connection to the wider social and political context of post-war Europe, where the drive for cultural rebuilding went hand in hand with progressive ideals of inclusivity. So, when you look at "Vleugel," consider not only the image but also the hands that carved it, the press that printed it, and the potential it held to reach beyond the confines of a traditional art world.