Angst (Fear) 1995

Michael Morgner made this large drawing "Angst (Fear)" using a limited palette, mostly black and brown inks, maybe even coffee? Look at the way the image has evolved; the artist probably started with lighter washes and added layer upon layer. The figure seems to be crouching, protecting itself from the world, or maybe hiding from something? Are they standing on something, or is that text? It’s hard to tell. I feel like Morgner was wrestling with some really dark emotions here, using the act of drawing as a way to confront and release them. There's a raw, unfiltered quality to the work that reminds me of artists like, say, Cy Twombly. You can really feel the hand of the artist in every mark. Ultimately, it reminds us that art can be a powerful tool for exploring the complexities of the human experience and artists are constantly building on each other's work, creating a shared visual language across time and space.