Zeemonster 1892 - 1938

Editor: So, here we have "Zeemonster," a woodcut print by Janus de Winter, created sometime between 1892 and 1938. It’s stark, black and white, with this bizarre creature smack dab in the center. What do you see in this strange sea monster, besides the obvious? Curator: Well, “obvious” is such a subjective thing, isn’t it? But I get you. What strikes me first is the raw energy, almost a primal scream rendered in wood and ink. You have the dense, almost claustrophobic foliage competing for space with this… thing. The monster seems both ancient and alien, a refugee from some forgotten myth. It almost looks like a nervous orchid! And notice how the expressionistic style and contrasting black lines highlight feelings of distress and turmoil. What feelings do these sharp and contrasting textures bring out for you? Editor: Definitely a sense of unease. The jagged lines make it feel unstable, like everything is about to fall apart. I also didn't think about the turmoil as a symptom of expressionism... Curator: Exactly! And that’s classic expressionism. The external world reflecting the internal chaos. Maybe this Zeemonster is less about literal sea creatures and more about the monstrous aspects of the human psyche – anxieties, fears, the things we try to keep hidden in the deep. Almost like he's a sea creature from our deepest darkest imagination... Maybe Janus de Winter felt monstrous from deep down. And what of those around him? Who knows? Editor: That makes me see it in a completely new light. I was stuck on the surface, the literal monster, but you're saying it’s a symbol. Curator: Symbols are slippery little things, aren't they? But yes, it’s a powerful image. I'm starting to think about how he viewed other "monsters" or even how he himself felt he was becoming a Zeemonster. Now what do you see? Editor: I am going to have nightmares, but nightmares with a German Expressionist understanding now... Thanks! Curator: Anytime! Happy nightmares. And remember, sometimes the monsters under the bed are just lonely creatures looking for a friend… or an interpreter.