My hospital bed 1990

Hubertine Heijermans captured "My hospital bed" in watercolor—probably from her hospital bed. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Heijermans to be confined to her bed, seeking solace and expression through painting. The ochre sheets, rendered with delicate brushstrokes, seem to tell a story of their own. The paint is thin, allowing the white of the paper to show through, creating a sense of light and airiness that softens the weight of the subject matter. There is a tradition of artists who used their beds as a studio. For example, Henri Matisse, who was bedridden later in life and created his famous cut-outs from his bed. In "My Hospital Bed" I see a shared sense of curiosity. These artists show that even in times of stillness and confinement, the creative spirit can flourish.