Bewijs van al dan niet ingeleverde metalen Possibly 1941 - 1947

This paper document, a 'Bewijs van al dan niet ingeleverde metalen', or proof of metal delivery, was created in Utrecht during an unknown year by the Gemeente Utrecht. The use of typography, with its clean lines and varied weights, is almost like mark-making in itself. You can see the mechanical precision of the printing process, but also the hand-written details, the human touch. It’s this combination that I find so compelling. Looking at the faded ink of the cursive script, you can almost feel the pressure of the pen on the paper. There's a vulnerability in the gesture. The form is a testament to the power of bureaucracy, a record of exchange. The city of Utrecht is proudly emblazoned at the bottom in bold capital letters. It reminds me of Ed Ruscha's word paintings, simple statements of fact transformed into art. Ultimately, this piece invites us to reflect on the intersection of language, power, and the everyday objects that shape our lives.