Stofontwerpen 1890 - 1946

This cover of 'Stofontwerpen' by Kamisaka Sekka, now at the Rijksmuseum, with its brown paper and simple, hand-drawn lettering, makes me think about the artist, alone in their studio. You know, the studio is not only a physical space but a zone of thought, where the artist can consider the composition, shifting elements, and letting the piece emerge through intuition. I bet Sekka was in conversation with other artists as they were painting the work. This artistic exchange is a constant process across time that encourages the artist's creativity. It’s interesting to think about how Sekka handled the materials. The texture, the color, the surface – it all speaks to me. The lettering has a certain weight, doesn't it? It is really a language of feeling. It suggests intention, meaning. We are able to see painting as an expression of our bodies and ideas. It embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations and meaning over fixed or definitive readings.