Mannenkop 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing, Mannenkop, with brush and India ink. I love the confidence of the mark making. There’s no messing about, the brushstrokes are laid down with intention, but there's still room for accidents, for the ink to bleed and pool in unexpected ways. The physicality of the medium is so present, the way the ink sits on the paper, glossy and almost sculptural in its density. The artist is unafraid to leave gaps, allowing the white of the paper to breathe and create a sense of light and shadow. Look at the eye, how the ink pools at the edge of the socket, suggesting depth and emotion. This approach reminds me of some of Marlene Dumas’s ink drawings, both artists share a fascination with the human face and a willingness to embrace imperfection and ambiguity in their work. Ultimately, what I appreciate most about this drawing is its openness, its invitation to see and feel, rather than simply understand.