Dansende naakte vrouw 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel drew this dancing nude woman on paper, and it's all about the process, isn't it? I mean, you can see the lines where he's felt his way around the form. Look at the way the white chalk or paint sits on the grey paper. It's not trying to trick you into thinking it's real, no glossy finish here! It's like Gestel is saying, "Hey, this is a drawing, made with materials, by a person." The dark outlines give definition to her body, but they also flatten her out, like a paper doll. And those hands! They're so open, so inviting. It reminds me of Matisse, who was also interested in simple shapes and strong lines. But while Matisse goes for bold, bright colors, Gestel keeps it muted and soft, like a whisper. It feels like he's inviting you to dance too, to join in the fun of making something out of nothing. Art, like dance, is an ongoing conversation.