Woodcut 1919

This woodcut was created by Johannes Molzahn, who lived from 1892 to 1965. Molzahn lived through both World Wars in Europe, and his art reflects the sociopolitical disruptions of the early 20th century. Molzahn was a Constructivist, and like other artists of the period, he was interested in abstraction as a way to express modern experience. Notice how recognizable forms have been broken down into geometric shapes. What do you make of the contrast between light and dark? The lack of color conveys a sense of starkness. Molzahn was removed from his teaching position after the Nazi party rose to power, and his work was labeled as “degenerate art.” While this piece does not directly represent the realities of living under Nazi rule, it can be interpreted as a visual response to the anxieties of his time. How does this piece make you feel?