Released Energies 1919

Johannes Molzahn’s ‘Released Energies’ is a linocut print, made by carving an image into a sheet of linoleum, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper. The stark black and white contrast, and the texture created by the carved lines, give the artwork a graphic punch. Molzahn's sharp angular and geometric shapes, are reminiscent of machinery, conveying a sense of dynamism and modernity. The title suggests an unleashing of potential, perhaps reflecting the rapid industrialization and social changes happening in Europe at the time. Linocut is a relatively accessible medium, associated with graphic design and illustration as much as fine art. The labor-intensive process of carving the linoleum, however, contrasts with the mass-produced imagery it evokes, hinting at the complex relationship between handcraft and industrial production. Considering the material and the making of this print gives us insight into the social and cultural context of the time, blurring the lines between art, craft, and the machine age.