Der revolutionäre Michl c. 1923

Karl Wiener's 'Der revolutionäre Michl' is an intriguing graphic work with a strong, simple palette of red and black. It's easy to imagine Wiener carefully layering the paint, building up the intensity of the red background, then adding those bold, graphic black shapes. You get a sense of urgency and a kind of raw, expressive power. I wonder if he made preparatory sketches? I can picture him, cigarette in mouth, leaning over the surface, deciding where to lay down each brushstroke. What was he thinking about as he added the final touches to the figure's cap, complete with an idiosyncratic bobble? This piece is fascinating because it shows how artists are always riffing off each other, whether they know it or not. It’s like we’re all part of one big conversation, bouncing ideas around through paint and color. It reminds me of the way Constructivist artists were using strong flat shapes to create dynamic and symbolic forms. It's a reminder that art isn't about fixed meanings; it's a journey.