Telegram aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1901 - 1919

This telegram to Philip Zilcken by Jan Toorop, it was dashed off with ink on paper, probably in the early 20th century. It’s just a fleeting message, but the immediacy of the medium and its swift execution offer us a glimpse into the artistic process. The delicate blue scrawl that makes up most of the telegram makes me think about how the simplest of materials can convey so much. Look at the way Toorop's pen dances across the page. It's almost like a drawing in itself! The ink bleeds a little into the paper, giving the letters a kind of halo, as if the words are charged with some kind of spectral energy. Even the smudges and stray marks contribute to the overall feel. This piece reminds me of Cy Twombly, another artist who wasn't afraid to let chance and imperfection play a part in his work. Toorop’s telegram captures a moment in time, a brief exchange between two people, but it also speaks to the way art can embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations.