Brief aan Mien Cambier van Nooten Possibly 1937

This is Dick Ket’s “Brief aan Mien Cambier van Nooten,” a letter penned on October 28, 1937. The Dutch artist, confined by poor health, communicates here through words and a small drawing. Ket lived a life marked by physical isolation and dependence, factors which profoundly influenced his art. His identity as an invalid, a man set apart from conventional society, seeps into his still life compositions, often featuring objects from his immediate surroundings. This letter, more intimate than his formal paintings, gives us a glimpse into his personal world. The inclusion of a sketch hints at his artistic practice, a constant presence even in correspondence. The letter serves as a poignant reminder of human connection sought amidst isolation, a theme relevant to us all. How does Ket, through his art and words, invite us to reflect on our own experiences of connection and distance?