Nude in a Cane Chair 1911

Rik Wouters made 'Nude in a Cane Chair' with charcoal, and just look at that frenetic energy! I can imagine him, pencil in hand, moving so fast that the figure comes to life, right there on the page. The charcoal is layered, thick in some places, light and airy in others, creating a sense of depth and volume. There is a real sense of movement and fluidity, like he is trying to capture the essence of a fleeting moment. I feel like Wouters is saying something about the nature of perception, how we see the world around us as something shifting and alive. It reminds me a little of Rodin, whose work Wouters knew well. The best art always leaves you with more questions than answers, inviting you to bring your own experiences to it.