Mine Disaster c. 1939

Harry Gottlieb made this print called 'Mine Disaster,' sometime in the 20th century. Look at how the flat planes of color are laid down. It’s graphic but also painterly; a perfect example of how a printmaker can use process to create a real emotional impact. The texture is flat, but the scene feels raw and immediate, with the grey sky pressing down on the figures. He uses stark contrasts in light and dark to capture the tension. See the way the fire's glow illuminates the waiting crowd, casting long shadows and creating a sense of unease. The faces are simplified, yet full of emotion. There’s a feeling of collective anxiety. The figures in the foreground are separated from the fire by a wooden barrier, a visual metaphor for the precarious nature of life. Gottlieb had a commitment to social realism, and artists like Kathe Kollwitz come to mind, who also used printmaking to convey social issues. Art doesn't have to be fancy; it just has to be true.