Holocaust

Letterio Calapai

Primarily known as a relief printmaker, between 1946 and 1949 Letterio Calapai began exploring Abstract Surrealism with printmaking at S.W. Hayter's Atelier 17 in New York where he learned many of the various intaglio techniques that were being explored there. With Hayter’s recommendation, Calapai was hired to establish the printmaking department at the Albright Art School of the University of Buffalo. He was chairman for six years but returned to New York City in 1955.

In his intaglio work Calapai often turned to biblical subjects, using his skills as a printmaker to emphasize the emotional content of the compositions.

Perhaps owing to his years studying woodcut and lithography, "Holocaust" features broad strokes of calligraphic movement, textured and delicately layered. A difficult image to consider, Calapai adds to the discomfort using intense color for the swirling flames that culminate in white smoke and ashes.