Type Cabinet 1929

Wanda Gág made this wood engraving of a type cabinet with a window in the background. I love the way the scene is distilled to the essentials – the strong contrast of black and white, the bold shapes, and the simple lines. You can see the physical process involved. The lines seem almost carved into the wood, revealing the nature of the material. Look at the marks indicating the wood grain on the legs of the cabinet, their angles reflecting the way the light catches the surface, and how these contrast with the soft, almost furry texture of the wall in the background. It’s interesting how the artist uses different marks to create texture and depth. There's a connection with Käthe Kollwitz, another German printmaker, in the sense of raw emotion and the power of simple forms. The lack of shading and detail allows the essence of the objects to come through. Ultimately, art is an ongoing dialogue, and this piece speaks volumes with its clear, strong voice.