17130 („Die Sonne, die das Gute schafft …“) 1932

This paper collage made by John Elsas shows the sun, a figure, and some German text. What’s striking to me is the simplicity of materials. It seems to have been made from scraps of paper, each piece carefully selected and placed. This feels like a very intuitive way of working, trusting the materials to guide you and accepting the imperfections. Look at how Elsas uses color to define the figure's clothing. The turquoise and yellow patches create a sense of depth and movement, making the figure feel alive and present. And the sun, a simple burst of textured brown, radiates a quiet, grounding energy. This sun feels like it is in conversation with the figure, each element balanced. I think of artists like Forrest Bess who, like Elsas, created their work outside the mainstream, driven by their own inner visions. These are conversations happening across time and space. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide what it all means, embracing the mystery.