Irish-born artist Paula Pohli’s hand-produced prints are essays in studied simplicity and reflection. Drawing on the visual traditions of German Expressionist and traditional Japanese printmaking, her intricate and deliberate linographs describe subjects ranging from the weathered landscapes of the earth to the weathered faces of philosophers and writers. Fields stretch out into the infinite horizon in stark black and white lines, and reeds sway calmly underwater, reaching for the moon. Done mostly with organic dyes and always without recourse to printing presses or computers, each of Pohli’s prints reflects the nuances of being hand pulled, and her titles are often witty references to Irish landmarks or landscapes. The artist also draws inspiration from the great literary tradition of Ireland—especially the works of James Joyce—and hopes to contribute to the development of printmaking within the country. Despite their ties to her native homeland, Pohli’s works have a kind of classical elegance and timelessness that appeals to an international audience.
