Strassenbau 1916

Bernhard Kretzschmar's "Strassenbau" is a woodcut print that presents a scene dominated by stark contrasts and dynamic movement. The composition is a dense arrangement of figures, seemingly caught in the midst of vigorous labor. The use of black and white creates bold, graphic forms. The figures, though rendered with minimal detail, are imbued with energy through their poses and the implied action of their tools. Notice how the artist uses the woodcut technique to create a sense of texture, with rough lines that add to the rawness of the scene. Structurally, the artwork uses a fragmented visual language reminiscent of Expressionism. There is little sense of depth or traditional perspective; instead, Kretzschmar opts for an all-over composition where the figures and their actions dominate the space. This reflects the Expressionist’s interest in subjective experience over objective representation. It challenges conventional modes of seeing, emphasizing the emotional and physical intensity of work. The woodcut technique itself, with its inherent roughness, underscores this sense of immediacy and force, inviting us to reconsider the power dynamics and human costs embedded within the construction of modern life.