Configurations
Matthias Mansen creates large-scale woodcuts that explore abstraction and figuration. He advances the tradition of woodblock printing by transforming pieces of scavenged wood—discarded floorboards or fragments of abandoned furniture—into printing blocks, which he progressively carves and recarves. Working on numerous prints simultaneously, Mansen generously inks the salvaged woodblocks, often using the same one for multiple related compositions. His serial projects are best viewed as an ensemble, so that their grammar and rhythms become palpable. (23.07-2017 - 13.12.2017) (Text: National Gallery of Art)