Geblinddoekte vrouw en monster 1894 - 1935

Mathieu Lauweriks created this woodcut print, *Geblinddoekte vrouw en monster*, using a relief printing process, likely involving carving into a block of wood. The stark contrast comes from the removal of material, leaving raised areas to catch the ink. This is a low-tech, labor-intensive process; the artist would have needed precision and skill to create these striking images and lettering. Unlike industrial methods, each print pulled from the block would have slight variations, imbuing it with a unique quality. The material itself influences the appearance of the work, the grain of the wood adding texture, while the carving process dictates the sharp lines and bold shapes. It is a world away from the ease of digital reproduction, and closer to the handwork of craft. Ultimately, by emphasizing the manual labor involved in its production, Lauweriks elevates the status of printmaking, challenging conventional hierarchies within the art world, and prompting us to consider the social dimensions of the work.