Liegender Akt II (Reclining Nude II) 1918

Otto Lange made this black and white woodcut, Reclining Nude II, and I find myself wondering what kind of knife he used. It feels a bit brutal, right? The stark contrast between the black and white areas creates a strong visual impact. The body is simplified into basic geometric shapes, almost like a puzzle. The sharp, angular lines give the figure a sense of tension and dynamism. Look at the way the black shapes push forward. What is background and foreground here? There's something about the graininess and texture of the woodcut that feels raw and immediate. It reminds me a little bit of some of the German Expressionist painters like Kirchner or Heckel, who were also exploring themes of alienation and anxiety in their work. I think Lange shares that same intensity and directness, but with his own unique voice. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide what it means.