First Round Knockout 1938

Joseph Webster Golinkin made this black and white print, First Round Knockout, without a date, but probably sometime in the mid 20th century. Look at the way he makes marks, it’s all about these tiny, deliberate scratches, building up the tones. It’s as though he is trying to capture not just what we see, but the very air in the boxing ring. The physicality of the medium is crucial here. See how the light catches the sheen of sweat on the boxer's torso? Or how the dark shadows seem to absorb the energy of the fallen fighter? These effects are achieved through the careful layering of ink, creating depth and texture. Take a look at the figure tumbling over the ropes. Notice how his limbs are rendered with such energy, each line vibrating with the force of impact. The scene reminds me of some of Muybridge's motion studies - but charged with narrative drama and psychological tension. Rather than documenting motion with scientific precision, Golinkin seems interested in capturing the emotional weight of the event. Like Kathe Kollwitz, he's able to create powerful social commentary, even within the confines of black and white printmaking.