Namen en adressen 1906 - 1945

Reijer Stolk made this graphite on paper artwork which includes handwritten names and addresses. I imagine Stolk in his studio, pencil in hand, carefully writing out information, maybe a list of contacts or people to remember, the graphite leaving delicate marks on the paper’s surface. There's a personal connection to the people whose names appear here, people important enough to be recorded in a book. I wonder if he knew them well, or if these names are more distant, like names of people that you need to remember for business. The circle that encloses one of the names suggests a closeness, and the careful script is evidence of the artist's attention. This piece reminds me of the work of other artists who used text in their work, like Cy Twombly’s scribbled handwriting, or the lists of On Kawara’s conceptual practice. All of these artists were in dialogue, inspiring each other, in a way that continues to reverberate across generations. What a precious reminder of the importance of connection, communication, and keeping track of what matters.