Chicle Gatherer 1943

Leopoldo Méndez made this print, Chicle Gatherer, by carving into a block, probably wood, and then inking and pressing it onto paper. It's all about the contrast between black and white, where the artist has skillfully cut away areas to reveal the image. Imagine Méndez at work, carefully gouging out each line, his hand moving with precision and purpose. What was he thinking about as he created this portrait? I can imagine him reflecting on labor, nature, and the human condition. There is a tension between the figure and the surrounding foliage which is achieved with these contrasting textures. See how the lines create a sense of depth and movement, almost as if the subject is emerging from the jungle itself? It reminds me of the way Käthe Kollwitz used woodcuts to convey powerful emotional narratives. Ultimately, Méndez’s print speaks to the ongoing conversation between artists across time. The artist's touch is forever present in the print, inviting us to contemplate its mysteries.