Voorbijgangers 1931

Editor: We are looking at Louis Cardinaals' "Voorbijgangers," or "Passersby," a woodcut print from 1931. It feels very stark, almost severe in its contrasts. What stylistic choices stand out to you, Professor? Curator: Observe how the artist uses stark contrasts in black and white. Note the heavily outlined forms and the angularity of the shapes. These elements, devoid of nuance in shading, contribute to the emotionally charged expressionistic style, with an echo of German Expressionist printmaking, don't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, that boldness creates a definite mood! I am particularly intrigued by the faces; their exaggerated features suggest caricature. How does that stylistic choice shape the overall message? Curator: The exaggerated features are, indeed, deliberate. Focus on how line and form distort conventional portraiture. This technique underscores a modernist commentary, prioritizing subjective experience over objective representation. The coarseness of the woodcut emphasizes the lack of refinement in what he is representing; notice the recurring angular shapes and simplified forms of their clothing, rendering the 'passersby' as types. Do you see how the use of the formal elements conveys its themes? Editor: I see it now. By distorting the figures, he shifts our attention from individual identities to broader types, prompting a formal commentary on society and its types through expressive mark making. Curator: Precisely. By employing distortion of line, shape, and surface qualities, it achieves that powerful social observation and artistic autonomy that interests us in modern works of art. Editor: That focus on form has certainly reshaped my view of the piece and how those components function together to reveal such intriguing layers! Curator: Agreed. Understanding formal elements unveils how artistic choices drive not just aesthetics but the artwork’s expressive potential.