Theatre 1921

Siegfried Schott made this evocative block print, "Theatre," using simplified shapes and bold colors to convey a sense of drama and human interaction. The flat planes of color suggest an interest in the graphic possibilities of printmaking. The dark figure on the left establishes a strong presence, its mask-like face gazing out with an intense stare. I imagine Schott, in his studio, carefully carving the woodblock, each cut a deliberate decision that builds the overall composition. I wonder if he ever felt like the print was taking on a life of its own, leading him in unexpected directions. The splashes of blue, green and red disrupt the monochrome black, adding depth to the characters portrayed. One arm is raised, as if reaching for something just out of grasp. It reminds me of Kirchner and the Die Brücke artists, who were also exploring ways to express raw emotion through simplified forms. It’s as if Schott is in conversation with them, adding his own unique voice to the chorus.