Wolken 1885 - 1931

Editor: This pencil drawing, "Wolken" by Willem Bastiaan Tholen, made between 1885 and 1931, really captures a sense of ephemeral beauty. The clouds seem to drift right off the page. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The immediate effect is the depiction of transient states, something almost elemental, wouldn't you agree? Note how the cloud forms aren’t clearly delineated but rather suggested. Consider what clouds have represented throughout history, particularly in art. Editor: Well, they seem like symbols of freedom, but maybe also impermanence? Like life itself… Curator: Precisely! Clouds are potent symbols. Think of the Romantic painters and their obsession with dramatic skies. What deeper associations might these "Wolken" hold for someone living in the late 19th, early 20th century? Perhaps new freedom in artistic expression? Editor: Possibly! Or the dawning awareness of a changing world. This drawing definitely leans into abstraction which makes it really contemporary despite the traditional medium of pencil and paper. Curator: Look closely at the artist’s hand. See how the light, almost scribbled, pencil lines capture not just the *look* of clouds but the feeling of them – weightless, shifting, and full of latent energy. The paper is allowed to ‘breathe’ through the forms; notice that there’s also a play between form and dissolving form. Editor: That's so interesting, it's almost like he is tracing a feeling. Thank you, this drawing made more sense with that approach. Curator: My pleasure! Reflecting on symbols helps us see art as more than just aesthetics.