Emergence 1955

Karl Kasten created this intaglio print, “Emergence," sometime in the mid-20th century, a period marked by significant social upheaval and artistic experimentation. Kasten, influenced by abstract expressionism, often explored themes of transformation and the interplay between chaos and order. In "Emergence," we see a dense layering of lines and shapes, a world in flux. It feels as though forms are struggling to come into being from a dark, undefined space, a visual metaphor for the challenges and possibilities inherent in moments of profound change. This was, after all, a period defined by rapid industrialization, Cold War tensions, and civil rights movements. Kasten's choice of abstraction allows for multiple interpretations. Is it a birth, a protest, or perhaps, a personal revelation? The beauty of abstraction is that it asks us to bring our own experiences to the act of viewing. It becomes a shared space for contemplation, a way of making sense of a world in constant motion.