Falco 2015

Gazmend Freitag made this graphite and ink drawing, 'Falco,' in 2015. See how Freitag teases out the form with these short, insistent marks. It’s like he’s feeling his way around Falco’s face, building the image through touch. The material aspect of this piece, the paper, the pencil, and ink, create an intimacy like you're looking at a page torn from the artist's sketchbook. The red ink of the title anchors the composition, while also creating a tension, as though the drawing might lift off the page. Check out the concentrated marks around the eyes and that severe jaw line. Freitag has captured something of Falco's intensity here, that stare seems to penetrate you. This drawing reminds me of some of Alice Neel's portraits – a similar directness and honesty. But ultimately, Freitag’s drawing stands on its own, a testament to the power of simple materials and the artist's vision.