Here are two wood block prints by Victor Rebuffo (Italy-Argentina, 1903-1983). Rebuffo was very interested in the use of art and printmaking specifically to offer narratives and social commentary, and his pieces often seem to tell a story. This first piece looks almost surreal, but when combined with the title, “Music of the Village” it suggests a whole scenario of character and plot. I imagine that people are boarding the ship to emigrate, and are listening to the song that reminds them of their home, sung to them in farewell. The side of the ship is like a wall separating the people, but the image evoked by the song cuts right through the steel wall with its vision of the village. Rebuffo’s style is bold and somewhat rough, but at the same time it’s quite detailed and carefully shaded.
I can’t tell quite as clear a story about the second piece. It’s set in a city, under looming smokestacks, but the buildings in the foreground suggest more traditional village homes. It’s hard to see in this small version, but at the end of the little street a whole crowd of men are gathered. Are they simply the bustle of people living life in the city, or are they an unruly, frightening mob? Are they looking for the woman? And then what is the connection between the woman on the street and the indistinct figure inside the building? The image of people holding out their hands to one another is always evocative, and I imagine the woman being invited inside to take refuge. Unlike the first piece, where the title seems to clarify the story, in this piece the title “The Comment” doesn’t offer me much explanation.
I find Rebuffo’s work interesting and thought-provoking, and I appreciate that he seems to be offering social commentary by telling stories and evoking ideas rather than by shouting out the rather bombastic imagery so common in
political art. I’ll be looking out for more by Rebuffo.
[Pictures: Musica de la Aldea (Music of the Village), woodcut by Victor Rebuffo, 1943;
I don't think the crowd of men are after the woman. They appear to be marching by. She does not look paniced, is not trying to hide herself against the wall. She looks at the figure handing her something through the window with no fear. What are they handing her? The grocery list she forgot as she makes her way to the store? The copy of the notes for a speech she is going to make later at the rally following the march. She will meet the women's contingent when they march past the alley. Or a poem the person inside wrote for her? So many possibilities. And such a 1930s barren industrial city scape.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your interpretation! I like that this piece invites speculation, and it's fun to see all the different ways it can go.
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