Blauw stilleven 1980

This print, "Blauw stilleven," was created by Harrie Gerritz using linocut, a relief printing technique where the artist carves a design into a sheet of linoleum, then inks and prints it. The choice of linoleum, a common flooring material, is significant. It brings a certain everyday quality to the art, contrasting with the preciousness often associated with fine art prints. The flat, slightly rough texture of the linoleum contributes to the print's distinctive look, with its solid blocks of color and visible tool marks. The process involves careful planning and physical labor, cutting away the linoleum to reveal the image. In “Blauw stilleven,” we see a blue still life framed by geometrical shapes, each interacting with the other. The layering of shapes and colors, all achieved through this hands-on printing method, emphasizes the artist's engagement with the material and process. This approach blurs the boundaries between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and thoughtfulness behind this deceptively simple image.