Armin Landeck- Cat’s Paw 1934
I have often featured the work of artists here who work in black and white, mainly printmakers who work in forms of etching or lithography. For myself, I like seeing the pattern and rhythm of these compositions without the influence of texture or color. Probably because I am always looking for a new way of looking at the normal and these give me a clear view of their construction, their bones. There’s something very pure in that.
Last week I wrote bout Martin Lewis who achieved some success with his wonderful etchings in the 1930’s only to fade into obscurity in the 40’s until the end of his life. Today I want to feature a contemporary as well as an associate of Lewis, Armin Landeck. Born in Wisconsin in 1905, Landeck came to New York City in the 20’s to study architecture at Columbia University. He and his wife traveled to Europe from 1927 until 1929 where he studied art and became interested in printmaking, producing his fist body of prints there. Returning to the states and not being able to find work as an architect, Landeck turned his complete attention to printmaking.
Armin Landeck- Pop’s Tavern 1934
Like Lewis, he documented the New York of the early 30’s, the tonal nature of his black and white etchings creating a perfect atmosphere for the gritty urban landscapes. The nature and popularity of their work eventually brought Lewis and Landeck together. Together they opened The School for Printmakers in 1934 but it quickly became a victim of the Great Depression, closing in 1935. As I noted, it was during this time that Lewis left NY and work soon fell from favor in the post-war years as Abstract Expressionism and other new trends in art took over the city. Lewis never regained his footing.
Armin Landeck- Chair and Table 1980
Landeck, on the other hand, let his work be influenced by the new atmosphere in the art world, adopting more and more elements of abstraction in it. Without really altering his own unique perspective, his work continued to expand and evolve, remaining vital until his death in 1984.
I like that while I love this work there is also a lesson to be learned here about allowing new influences into your work, not simply cutting yourself off or settling at a plateau at a certain point in time. I will ponder that while I continue to look at Mr. Landeck’s beautiful work.
Redtree Times 