Jongen en meisje bij een struik 1887 - 1916

Willem Pothast made this drawing, "Jongen en meisje bij een struik," using ink to create a world of delicate lines and textures. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the process of mark-making itself. Looking closely, you can see how Pothast uses tiny, repetitive strokes to build up the density of the bushes, creating a sense of depth and volume. The texture is almost palpable; you can imagine the rough bark of the tree and the soft folds of the children’s clothes. The way the ink bleeds slightly into the paper gives the whole scene a dreamlike quality, like a memory half-forgotten. Take a look at the tree branches at the top of the drawing. See how they reach out in wiry, chaotic gestures? They remind me of the expressive lines in some of Alfred Kubin's drawings. Pothast embraces a similar sense of ambiguity, inviting us to project our own stories onto this enchanting scene.