Possibly 1928
Brief aan Philip Zilcken
Listen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This letter, written by Anna Pica-Marazzani in 1928, offers a glimpse into the intimate correspondence between artists and intellectuals during the interwar period. Addressed to Philip Zilcken, the letter reveals details of Pica-Marazzani's relocation, describing the challenges of setting up a new home and studio. The act of writing, particularly letters, allowed for the construction and maintenance of identity and relationships across geographical distances. As a female artist navigating a male-dominated art world, Pica-Marazzani's correspondence can be seen as a form of networking and self-promotion. The tone of the letter, mixing personal updates with professional concerns, reflects the complex negotiation of roles women artists had to undertake. The mention of books, letters, and papers scattered everywhere speaks to the intellectual and creative life that Pica-Marazzani sought to reconstruct in her new space. "Tout de reconstruire notre interieur" she writes - she is referring to the labor and the emotional weight involved in creating a home and a sense of self. Ultimately, the letter is not just a record of logistical challenges, but also a testament to the artist's resilience and determination to rebuild her creative world.