Conflicts 1930

Carl Hoeckner made 'Conflicts', using a monochrome printing process to create a scene of cosmic unease. The density of marks, and the stark contrast between light and shadow, give this image a compelling sense of drama, a sense of something in the process of being revealed. Look at the figure in the foreground, how Hoeckner has rendered their body with such care. The subtle tonal variations created by the dense hatching really bring them to life. See how they seem to be reaching towards the cluster of heads, perhaps attempting to soothe or to understand. Hoeckner's piece reminds me of the work of Käthe Kollwitz, in its emphasis on the human figure as a site of suffering and resilience. Both artists were deeply engaged with the social and political issues of their time. The meaning of this piece remains open, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of human experience and the ongoing conflicts that shape our world.