Vogel op een tak voor een skyline 1924 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this small drawing of a bird on a branch in black ink, maybe around the 1920’s, we're not sure of the exact date. It’s so economical in its mark-making! I find myself thinking about the decision making involved in this piece, the process of deciding exactly what to leave out. The thick, dark lines create a playful contrast with the white of the paper. Look at how the simple line of the branch curves down to meet the skyline. There’s a lightness of touch here, it almost feels effortless. I like that the bird is positioned above the skyline, it makes me think about the contrast between nature and industry. Those four simple leaves, almost flower-like, speak to the optimism of growth and change. Gestel’s reduction of form reminds me of Matisse’s line drawings. It's like these artists are both saying "how little can I do, to say the most?"