Maurice Utrillo 1928

Here is Maurice Utrillo as drawn by Suzanne Valadon, in 1928. I love the confidence of line in this piece, a real sense of economy in how she's building up the image. Look at the frenetic marks that describe the hair, scratching, swirling, each line feels like it’s searching for the form. The texture here is crucial. The weight of the line, varying from thick to thin, creates a dynamic surface. Notice the subtle shading around the jawline, versus the denser, more chaotic marks in the hair; it brings out the underlying structure of the face, while allowing the hair to remain a mass of energy. See how the individual marks work together, contributing to a larger sense of form, but also retaining their independence. For me, Valadon’s work is always interesting when thinking about Paula Modersohn-Becker, both artists who were equally committed to an unflinching portrayal of lived experience. Art is not about perfection, but the ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, embracing ambiguity.