Sandgrube mit Blick auf Pötzleinsdorf 1911 - 1916

Tina Blau's painting offers a window onto the extraction of raw materials in the 19th century. Through the traditional medium of oil paint, she invites us to consider not just the view, but also the ground from which it is observed. The surface is built up with layers of pigment, each stroke a deliberate mark that mimics the rough texture of the sandpit itself. Notice how Blau uses the materiality of paint to convey the weight and density of the earth. The brushstrokes are loose and gestural, reflecting the physical labor involved in shaping the landscape. Sand, like many raw materials, plays a crucial role in construction and industry. By focusing on the sandpit, Blau draws our attention to the relationship between human activity and the natural world, suggesting a landscape not just observed but actively made.