Briefkaart aan Jan Ponstijn en Henriëtte Johanna Petronella van Hilten Possibly 1936

This postcard was made by Leo Gestel in 1936 with ink on paper. Look at how Gestel’s hand moved across the surface, and think about the motion and the pressure, as he wrote the words, carefully choosing each one. I feel like I am standing right next to him, watching the words take form as he puts pen to paper. The density of the text and the rhythmic way in which the letters flow across the paper creates a kind of intimate connection between the artist and his recipients. Gestel would have been influenced by the Expressionists, who were known for their emotional intensity and use of bold colors, but he also experimented with different styles throughout his career. The act of writing can be an art form in itself, each word carefully chosen and placed to communicate feeling, intention, and meaning. It's a form of embodied expression, where ambiguity and uncertainty allow for multiple interpretations and meanings. Gestel’s words offer a glimpse into his world, his thoughts, and his connections with those around him.