Notizen (Notations) [p. 45] 

Max Beckmann made this page of notations sometime in his career, likely using pen and ink on paper. The most apparent thing here is the writing itself – the record of Beckmann’s thoughts. He has used ink, a fluid and expressive medium, to capture the movement of his hand across the page. You can almost feel him at work, urgently jotting down ideas. The relatively low cost of paper and ink meant that artists of all economic classes could readily access these materials. The ease of writing allows for quick notations, perfect for capturing ephemeral thoughts and ideas. The list suggests various themes that could be explored in his artworks, and reveals the evolution of the artist's creative process. Was his process more important than the final piece? This page reminds us that artmaking is not just about the finished product, but about the labor, the social context, and the artist’s own unique voice.