Old Church c. 1935

Curator: Standing before us, we have Hale Woodruff’s woodcut print, "Old Church," dating circa 1935. Editor: Whoa, that building's got character! I get a strong sense of solitude looking at this piece, like the church is the only thing standing for miles. A real survivor vibe. Curator: Indeed. The stark contrast of black and white, a hallmark of the woodcut medium, enhances the geometric rigidity of the building's architecture against a turbulent sky. Notice how Woodruff manipulates line to suggest depth, almost reminiscent of German Expressionism in its psychological intensity. Editor: Totally. Those jagged lines chopping up the landscape-- it’s like the earth itself is echoing the church's hard angles. There’s this eerie, quiet resilience that sings from every scratch mark on the woodblock. Do you think Woodruff aimed to portray spiritual strength weathering the storms? Curator: One could posit that. Given the era in which it was produced, during the Great Depression and amidst socio-political unrest, Woodruff's "Old Church" can be interpreted as a symbolic bastion, representing the enduring presence of community and faith, he also explores themes that deeply rooted in African American culture and experience. Editor: I feel it! And maybe also a kind of critique. That ramshackle look-- the place looks worn, loved but kinda on its last legs too. Churches hold space in African American history; it makes you consider, does it also show the effects of neglect and weathering the tough times? Curator: It is plausible. Considering Woodruff's background and engagement with social themes, interpreting the piece solely through a Formalist lens might inadvertently occlude its multifaceted significance. He often combined geometric forms to serve greater narratives within modernism, like the WPA era murals, highlighting African Americans, his roots and how all can intertwine. Editor: It's interesting you say that, sometimes it’s the grit, the imperfections in artwork like this that truly whisper. The church's got more than just straight lines, it has got layers of struggle painted on it. Curator: Yes, and that's precisely why approaching "Old Church" with combined understanding, a more enriched lens is not only intellectually rigorous, but fundamentally imperative to fully comprehend its depth. Editor: It’s a beautiful ruin, showing so much. Thanks for unveiling its depths with me!