Sjabloon: ornamentale vlakvulling in een cirkel 1876 - 1951

This stencil, by Theo Nieuwenhuis, is an ornamental design in a circle. It's really about the interplay of positive and negative space, the back-and-forth between what's there and what isn't. The material aspect of this artwork is fascinating. The artist uses brown ink to define the lines and edges, and the ink is laid down in such a way that you can still see the traces of the brushstrokes. There is a handmade feel in the way the ink bleeds a little into the negative space, creating a gentle halo around the design. Look closely, you will notice that within the outer circle the composition is divided into these radiating segments, that are then filled with repeating floral patterns. It reminds me of the geometric precision of Islamic art, or maybe even the cut-paper collages of Matisse. Art is always having a conversation with itself across time, picking up ideas, and running with them. It’s an ongoing dialogue and, for me, this piece really sums that up.