Gope Board c. 20th century

This Gope board, made by an anonymous artist, is an example of the kind of object that really sings to me, it seems so intuitive and process based. I love the contrast between the dark wooden surface and the creamy white pigment. You can almost feel the hand of the artist moving across the surface. The paint is applied in a thick, almost sculptural way, creating a beautiful texture that catches the light. The way the white paint is used to define the face and the other motifs feels so direct and unpretentious. It’s like the artist was just figuring it out as they went along, allowing the material to guide the process. The little smiling face seems full of life, and that crown-like shape above it reminds me of James Ensor! There is a sense of freedom and playfulness that I find so appealing. Art like this reminds me that artmaking is not about perfection, but about experimentation, discovery, and embracing the unexpected.