Two Human Beings (The Lonely Ones) 1899

Curator: This is Edvard Munch's woodcut, "Two Human Beings (The Lonely Ones)." Editor: Stark. The rough texture and the isolated figures definitely create a sense of alienation. Curator: Munch often explored themes of anxiety and human connection, and the printmaking medium was crucial to him. Prints made his art accessible to a wider audience. Editor: Accessible, but look at the labor involved in carving those blocks! The stark contrast between the black and the other colors amplifies the emotional intensity. What do you make of the color choices? Curator: The limited color palette is interesting. The stark contrast highlights the social isolation so often portrayed in Munch's work. It certainly speaks to the era. Editor: Precisely. The choices highlight the psychological weight of the piece. It really lingers, doesn't it?