Greeting, from the portfolio "New European Graphics, Portfolio III: German Artists" 1912

Curator: August Macke, a key figure in German Expressionism, created this woodcut, titled "Greeting," which was part of the "New European Graphics" portfolio. Editor: It's like a dreamscape! The bold black and white contrasts give it such a dramatic, almost theatrical, feel. What's your take? Curator: Well, woodcuts were experiencing a revival at the time, linking back to earlier traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. It’s interesting to consider how these artists were exploring new modes of production and distribution. Editor: The starkness, though...it's almost unsettling. The horse rider seems like he is greeting two women, while they are totally uninterested in him and in the greeting. Curator: Indeed, the reduction of form to basic shapes speaks to the influence of movements like Cubism, and the simplified figures invite speculation on themes of nature, human interaction, and perhaps even a critique of bourgeois society. Editor: Maybe! I’m just getting a melancholy vibe. I imagine Macke, so young, finding beauty in stark contrasts, so close to the war... Curator: Macke's career was tragically cut short in World War I. The portfolio itself reflects an attempt to foster artistic exchange across Europe before the outbreak of war. Editor: A poignant reminder that art, even in its simplest forms, echoes the complexities of its time.