Kipkar 1931

Jo Bezaan made this etching, Kipkar, sometime around 1921. It's got this amazing range of textures, created by a network of lines. You can almost feel the sun's warmth on your skin. Looking closely, there's a real sense of materiality. The etching feels almost velvety, especially in the shadows under the tree. Notice how Bezaan varies the density of the etched lines to create form, like in the wheels of the cart. There's a real push-and-pull between detail and abstraction, making it visually and emotionally complex. It reminds me a little of early Paula Modersohn-Becker, that kind of raw, honest portrayal of rural life. Ultimately, this etching is a testament to how a simple scene can become something profound through an artist's vision and a mastery of their medium.