Molten Metal 1929

Michael Joseph Gallagher made this print called 'Molten Metal', and I can only imagine the kind of mark-making it would have taken to create it! The process feels intensely physical, like chipping away at a world. The overall effect is graphic, bold, and the contrast between black and white creates a visually arresting image. I feel the heat, weight, and danger of the steelworks. You can sense the artist's hand—the way the lines build up, the texture of the wood, and the intentionality of each cut, which altogether bring this industrial scene to life. It reminds me of other artists who worked in print, like the German Expressionists, who used woodcuts to convey raw emotion and social commentary. Printmaking is a reminder that artists are always in conversation, building upon each other's ideas and techniques. And it reminds us that images can carry so many feelings!