Zigeunerfamilie 1926

Otto Mueller made "Zigeunerfamilie" using what looks like charcoal and maybe a touch of red chalk. You can see the process in the delicate lines, the way they build up to form these figures, it's all about gesture and feeling. I love how the earth-toned paper peeks through, giving a warmth to the whole scene. Look at the woman with the pipe, the way Mueller suggests her face with just a few strokes. It's not about capturing every detail, but more about capturing the essence of the moment. The dark lines, scratchy and urgent, create a sense of depth, while the red on the headdress pulls you right in. It's a masterclass in economy of means, where every mark counts. Mueller was part of Die Brücke, a group of artists who were all about raw emotion and direct expression. You see that same spirit in Kirchner's work, that willingness to embrace the imperfect, to let the process be visible. Art is never about perfection, it's an ongoing conversation.