In the zoological garden 1914

August Macke drew "In the Zoological Garden" with pen and ink, giving us this immediate, active impression of a day out. The lines are dancing, they have a life of their own! Macke isn't trying to capture reality; he's feeling it. Look at how he uses hatching to create volume, especially in the figures and foliage. Notice how a few quick strokes suggest the soft curve of a cheek, the crisp pleat of a coat, or the rough texture of a treetrunk. It's as if he wants to record not just what he sees, but how he sees. The horse on the right feels more like an idea of a horse, than a real horse, its almost an extension of the architecture, this kind of stylistic invention is totally modern! I'm reminded of other German Expressionists, like Kirchner. They weren't afraid to bend reality to convey a deeper emotional truth. It’s a reminder that art isn’t about answers, but about the questions we ask.