Harnessed Steel 1939

Shiro Miyazaki made this relief print, "Harnessed Steel" with, I imagine, a set of chisels to remove wood from the block. The stark contrast of black and white creates a dramatic effect, amplifying the feeling of industrial power. Look at how Miyazaki uses the gouge to create the smoke billowing from the train's smokestack. The lines carve out negative space to capture the movement and energy of the steam. The artist's hand feels so present, not trying to hide the process but instead, embracing the raw texture and imperfections. This approach reminds me a bit of some German Expressionist woodcuts. Like them, Miyazaki isn't aiming for photographic realism, but instead, a feeling, a sense of awe. The image becomes more about the symbolic power of the machine. It’s less about the train itself and more about the force and the human relationship to technology.