Madonka I., II., III 1931

Mikuláš Galanda made this Madonka, or Madonna, using what looks like pencil or crayon, maybe even pastel, on a warm tan paper. Look at the ground, the part that’s not the figure: see how the strokes are all in one direction? It’s like a tide rising. That cross-hatching is so physical, so present, almost like a protective force field. And then, within it, the figure is drawn more softly, with very simple, almost architectural strokes that form the folds of the dress. It’s like she’s emerging, or maybe dissolving, into the background. The white halo around her is interesting, it looks almost like the artist rubbed out the initial marks. And this is where the magic happens, it reminds me of Hilma af Klint, who also explored spiritual themes with her art. Ultimately it’s up to you to feel what you feel, but don’t forget to appreciate the surface, the texture, the sheer labor of all those little lines.