Dover 1985

Jacob Kainen made this compelling print, Dover, using color woodcut. It’s a process that embraces chance and directness. Look at the way Kainen wields color – a bold red battling with cool blues and blacks. These aren’t blended hues, but rather distinct blocks, laid down with what feels like a decisive hand. It's like he's wrestling with the materials, letting the grain of the wood and the viscosity of the ink dictate the final form. Take a look at that thick black stroke slashing across the center. It’s not just a line; it’s a statement, a physical presence. You can almost feel the pressure of the artist’s hand as he carved and printed it. The layering of these elements creates a dynamic tension, a sense of movement and depth that pulls you in. There’s a kinship here with someone like Franz Kline, in the energy of the marks, but Kainen's piece retains a playful quality all of its own. Art's not about answers, but about opening up possibilities, right?