Abklatsch van de notities op blad 18 recto c. 1915 - 1921

Curator: Willem Witsen's "Abklatsch van de notities op blad 18 recto," a monoprint on paper, created between 1915 and 1921. Editor: At first glance, I'm struck by the almost ethereal quality of this work. The pale tonality creates a subdued, introspective mood, like a half-forgotten memory surfacing from the past. Curator: Considering the period, during and shortly after the First World War, could this perhaps allude to the trauma and erasure experienced by individuals grappling with immense loss and societal upheaval? A visual metaphor for fading memories and the struggle to document a rapidly changing world? Editor: That is an interesting point, I was seeing the formal elements first – the subtle grid-like pattern of the paper itself interacting with the faint marks, suggesting an underlying structure, even in something seemingly amorphous. The negative space is almost palpable. Curator: Indeed, Witsen lived through immense shifts. Coming from a wealthy family, he socialized with outspoken feminists and other left-leaning people. His affiliation with these reformist communities gave him unique insight on class dynamics of his time. It is intriguing to consider that these seemingly insignificant 'notes' that Witsen chose to print point to larger issues surrounding power, class and privilege. Editor: From a purely structural perspective, that small cluster of darker marks in the lower right serves as an anchor, preventing the composition from dissolving completely into the background. The paper has spots and smudges. I love it. Curator: And what do those slight discolorations mean when considering the history? What does it mean when our source documents are imperfect and how do we use theory to reconcile such ideas with modern sensibilities. It's all there. Editor: Precisely. The interaction of form and medium. Curator: It’s a poignant reminder of how the personal and the political are so often intertwined. Editor: And structurally and visually the artist brings them together, intentionally or otherwise. Thank you, a rich engagement with Witsen’s subtle, yet profound, work.