South of France 1930

Arnold Wiltz created this woodcut, sometime around November 1930, called ‘South of France’. It's all about the push and pull of black and white, a real dance between light and shadow. Check out the road leading into the scene, all those tiny parallel lines creating a sense of depth. It's like Wiltz is inviting us into the landscape, guiding our eye through the gate and beyond, over those rolling hills. The palm tree on the right, bending in the wind, adds a touch of drama, right? And the stark contrast between the dark trunk and the bright sky gives it this kind of graphic punch. Wiltz's dedication to carving out each individual line, shows an interest in the process. You know, making art is all about embracing the unexpected. It's never about fixed meanings, it's more about what it makes you feel. Much like the woodcuts of Gauguin, Wiltz’s print celebrates simplicity, but with its own unique voice.