While Fixing Hair 2015

Alfred Freddy Krupa made this painting, 'While Fixing Hair', using black ink on paper. Just imagine for a moment what it’s like to make a work like this! The image emerges through trial, error, and intuition. I love the way the ink bleeds and pools, creating a sense of depth and shadow. It's wet on dry, like a memory resurfacing. There’s a dance between control and accident. It reminds me a little bit of Helen Frankenthaler's soak-stain technique, or even some of the earlier ink wash paintings. I really sympathize with the artist, trying to capture the fleeting moment of a figure fixing their hair. What were they thinking as they were making this? Every gesture communicates feeling and meaning. It's a beautiful thing really, and it just goes to show that we artists are always in conversation, inspiring one another across time.