At Candle-light 1940

Endre Balint created this woodcut, titled "At Candle-light," during a period of immense political and social upheaval in Europe. Balint, a Hungarian Jewish artist, lived through both World Wars, shaping his art with themes of displacement, identity, and survival. This print is a window into Balint's emotional world, marked by the looming presence of historical events. The stark black and white contrast evokes the anxieties of the time, reflecting the dualities of light and darkness, hope and despair. The composition, with its fragmented figures and symbolic elements, suggests a world in disarray. Look at the faces staring out at us, bearing witness to the unfolding of history. Balint once stated, "Art is a form of resistance," encapsulating his commitment to addressing social and political issues through his work. "At Candle-light" serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the human condition amid conflict, reminding us of the importance of remembering and confronting the past.