Flood c. 1935 - 1943

Editor: Right, next up we have "Flood" by Edgar Imler, created sometime between 1935 and 1943. It's a woodcut print, and it depicts a family escaping a flooded house. The high contrast and chaotic composition create a real sense of urgency. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The raw, visceral energy of this woodcut just grabs me. The black and white are so stark, aren't they? It's a bit like a silent film, full of drama. Imler has simplified the forms, almost to the point of abstraction, but it intensifies the emotional punch. Think about it: a family, their dog, possessions clutched, all navigating a world turned upside down. Do you get a sense of resilience amidst the chaos? Editor: Absolutely. There’s a desperation, but also a sense of determination in their faces. The way the house is tilting – it makes you feel off-balance just looking at it! Curator: Exactly! And look at those jagged lines depicting the water, it’s not gently flowing; it's a destructive force. Imler was working during a time of great social upheaval, the Depression, Dust Bowl migrations... Maybe this flood speaks to broader anxieties? Does the simplicity almost give it a universal feel, do you think? Editor: It does. It makes me wonder about the stories behind each artwork; about how the circumstances of their creation contribute to the emotion in a piece. Curator: Indeed. Art whispers and shouts to us through time. I think that reflecting on that can sometimes amplify how we interpret it ourselves. Editor: Absolutely. "Flood" is a stark and compelling artwork, blending anxiety and resilience with incredible power. Thanks for the insights!