Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1982

Arnulf Rainer made this print of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and it’s all about mark-making as a process. The image emerges from a flurry of lines, a dark cloud of ink suggesting a portrait. Looking closely, you can see the texture created by the etched lines. They're not uniform; some are thick, others thin, some dark, others barely there. It's like Rainer is feeling his way through the image, letting the process guide him. Notice how the density of the lines creates a sense of depth, drawing you into the darkness. The edges are frayed, as if the image is struggling to contain itself, reflecting the intensity of Rainer's expressionist style. Rainer’s work reminds me of Cy Twombly, in that both artists share this fascination with the expressive power of the line. Just as Goethe explored the depths of human experience through literature, Rainer uses these swirling lines to capture something of the inner self. Art is a conversation, and Rainer adds his voice to it.