De koetsier 1979

Dirkje Kuik made this drawing, De Koetsier, with delicate marks dancing across the page. It’s all about the process, seeing how the image emerges from a network of lines. I love the way the texture of the paper comes through. It's not hidden, it’s part of the drawing. The lines aren’t trying to trick you into thinking this is a real guy; they’re just lines doing their thing, creating a form. Look at the driver’s hat, how it’s built up with these confident strokes, almost like the artist is mapping the space. The density of the lines gives it weight, making it feel substantial, like a real hat sitting on a real head. Kuik's process reminds me of Philip Guston's late work. Both aren't afraid to let the messiness of the medium be part of the message. It’s this kind of honesty that makes art so compelling – it’s not about perfection, it’s about the journey.