In Refuge c. 19th century

Curator: Johannes Bräuer's woodcut, titled "In Refuge," presents a harbor scene, a fascinating example of printmaking techniques. Editor: The high contrast immediately strikes me. It feels almost claustrophobic, with the boats packed so tightly and the looming buildings. Curator: The woodcut technique itself is crucial here. The stark black and white, the deliberate cuts, all speak to a specific process and the labor involved. Editor: I agree, and I wonder about the context of "refuge". Who seeks it here? The boats themselves, or perhaps those who depend on them? Is this a commentary on the working class, their reliance on the sea? Curator: Precisely. The artist's hand, visible in every mark, creates a unique object, challenging mass production with its individual expression. The materiality of the wood, the ink, the paper—it all matters. Editor: It certainly lends a weight to the imagery, a sense of history and struggle embedded in the very medium. It encourages us to consider our own sense of place and belonging, especially in increasingly uncertain times. Curator: Absolutely. It is a testament to the enduring power of craft. Editor: An urgent invitation to remember those on the margins.