Matthias MansenMatthias Mansen (German, born 1958) 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.

The installation is curated by John A. Tyson, Andrew W. Mellon postdoctoral curatorial fellow in modern prints and drawings, National Gallery of Art.

Organization: Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.