Axel van der Kraan created a series of woodcuts from the early 1990s to the early 2000s that represent a unique part of his body of work. These woodcuts mark a shift from the installations and sculptures that he and his partner, Helena van der Kraan, became known for after graduating from Ateliers '63 in 1970. In this way, his black-and-white woodcuts can be seen as a counterpart to Helena's photography.
The woodcuts were inspired by his sketches and frottages in black Conté chalk, focusing on ancient forms such as fortifications and chariots. Kraan carved his designs into plywood door panels, using a spoon to play with the contrast in different areas of the print. This technique allowed him to create depth in images of water and sky.
His works range from chariots and fortifications to dark tank manoeuvres and dreamlike battle scenes that seem to be set in ancient times or the Middle Ages. He also created more complex, imaginative cityscapes and infrastructure. Among these pieces, some stand out, like (self-)portraits in the metro or a ruined scene reminiscent of Rembrandt.
The book "Wachtende Man" (Waiting Man, 2024) provides a comprehensive look at Axel van der Kraan's work and highlights the significance of his woodcuts.