Artisjok c. 1944 - 1990

Kees Stoop made this print of an artichoke, called 'Artisjok', at an unknown date using etching. Look closely at the radiating marks. The lines, pulled from the center, build up to become something voluminous. I can almost feel Stoop’s hand moving rhythmically, responding to the form. I love the confidence of the singular object in the center of the field. I imagine Stoop, intently drawing, losing himself in the repetitive action. What was he thinking? Was it a celebration of this vegetable, or just an exercise? The etching transforms the humble artichoke into something monumental, almost architectural. The precision, the texture, it all makes me want to run to the studio. Etching is such a beautiful technique, and it's interesting to see how different artists have used it to explore form and texture. It’s as if they're all in conversation, each adding their unique voice to the history of mark-making.