Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1901 - 1912

This postcard to Philip Zilcken was made by Willy Sluiter at an unknown date, likely using ink on paper. Look at the way the information is laid out, the process of sending a message made visible through stamps and postmarks. The ink has a beautiful sheen and depth, it's not just a flat black. The strokes are confident, but also have a certain fragility. Notice the loops of the letters, the way they dance and intertwine. The "B" in Bezuidenhortz dives below the line, a flourish of personality. The stamps and seals add layers of texture and meaning to the surface of the postcard. They're not just functional, they're also beautiful in their own way. This card reminds me of the work of Cy Twombly, in the sense that both artists use handwriting as a form of drawing. It also speaks to the way art is not just about the finished product, but about the process of making.