Zeemeeuw 1934 - 1936

Leo Gestel made this drawing of a seagull with ink on paper. The bold black lines define the bird's form and the landscape behind it. Imagine Gestel's hand moving quickly, decisively, capturing the essence of the seagull with just a few strokes. I wonder if Gestel was trying to express something about freedom, or maybe the raw power of nature? Look at the way the lines create a sense of texture in the bird's feathers and the choppy waves of the sea, the mountains are mere triangles. It reminds me of the work of other early modern artists grappling with how to represent movement and energy. That decisive stroke suggests a feeling, an intention, or a meaning. Artists are always in conversation, inspiring each other across time. Painting, drawing – it’s all embodied expression, embracing the multiple interpretations.