Composition, from the portfolio "New European Graphics, Portfolio III: German Artists" c. 1921

Curator: This is "Composition" by Jacoba van Heemskerck, a striking linocut that's part of the "New European Graphics" portfolio. Editor: My first impression is one of controlled chaos. The stark black and white contrast creates a dynamic tension, like a storm brewing. Curator: Absolutely. Heemskerck, working in Germany, was deeply engaged with Expressionism. These portfolios served to disseminate new aesthetic languages in the face of rising nationalism. The bold lines and non-representational forms embody a rejection of traditional artistic values. Editor: And I find it fascinating how this abstraction, devoid of figures, can still evoke such a strong emotional response. The composition feels almost confrontational, challenging the viewer. It speaks to the anxieties of a society on the brink. Curator: It's a powerful example of art reflecting and refracting the socio-political turmoil of its time. Looking at it now, we can understand the avant-garde's role in questioning the established order and offering alternative ways of seeing. Editor: It really shows how much this art piece can tell us about society and its values.