Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1911

This postcard was sent by Johan Frederik Ankersmit to Philip Zilcken; it's machine made, printed and stamped, and it's a kind of readymade artwork. The process of sending a postcard is one of communication, of course, but it’s also about the materiality of the message, the journey it takes, and the marks it accumulates along the way. I am drawn to the ghostly overprinting of the circular stamps, layered like translucent washes of paint, each adding a layer of meaning and history to the surface. Each stamp overlaps and partially obscures the other, creating a sense of depth and visual complexity. The contrast between the geometric rigidity of the printed text and the organic, handwritten address creates a dynamic tension. It reminds me of artists like Cy Twombly, who combined writing and drawing in his paintings, blurring the lines between language and image, precision and spontaneity. Ultimately, this postcard invites us to consider the beauty and significance of everyday communication and the stories embedded within our interactions.