Stilleven met schaal 1914

Reijer Stolk made this stark, striking still life, 'Stilleven met schaal' as a woodcut print. There's a kind of directness to the mark making, a kind of honesty that comes from the carving process. It's right there on the surface, immediate and confident. The contrast of black and white creates a scene that is both abundant, almost overflowing with fruits, and slightly austere, as if the artist is concerned with the simple pleasure of a shared meal. Look closely at the way Stolk has defined the edges of the fruit with just a few well-placed cuts. They are not precise but the shapes are clear, like a shorthand of markmaking. It reminds me of the bold, graphic style of German Expressionist prints. It's a conversation that spans time and place, each artist adding their own voice to the ongoing dialogue. Ultimately, it’s about exploring the beauty of form, the potential of the materials, and the ever-evolving process of seeing.