Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin 1878 - 1941

This letter to Héloïse Bernard-Bodin was written by Emile Bernard in 1895. It is handwriting, captured in blue ink, which creates a dance of marks across the page. The texture of the paper isn't visible as such, but the variations in the ink density and line thickness create a sense of depth that’s almost tactile. Look at the loops and swirls in the uppercase letters. They feel impulsive, driven by the rhythm of thought. The individual character of each letter speaks to the directness of the process – the pen moving across the page, capturing a moment in time. It’s less about perfect legibility and more about the raw expression of communication. It reminds me a little of Cy Twombly. Though Twombly worked on a much grander scale, they both share a similar gestural intensity. Both Bernard and Twombly embrace imperfection and open up the space for multiple interpretations.