How did Edvard Munch experiment with woodblock printing?

Edvard Munch’s lack of formal training in graphic media encouraged him to adopt highly innovative techniques in woodcut printing. His approach to the medium was characterized by several key experimental methods:1

• Radical Simplification: Influenced by the Japanese tradition, Munch simplified the printing process by sawing a single block of wood into multiple smaller pieces, which he could then ink individually and reassemble for printing.1
• Expressive Use of Grain: Munch was a pioneer in incorporating the natural grain of softwood into his designs. By utilizing the wood's texture for expressive purposes, he created unique visual effects that significantly influenced later generations of artists.213
• Mixed Media: He frequently experimented by combining different graphic media or layering one medium over another to achieve his desired aesthetic.1

Through these techniques, Munch transformed the woodcut from a traditional illustrative tool into a powerful medium for personal, expressive communication.1