Koraal 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing titled ‘Koraal’ with pen in brown ink on paper. The artwork is a study of coral, and the artist used many short, rhythmic lines to build up its complex form. The lines form a dense, almost impenetrable thicket, creating a sense of depth and volume. Gestel was interested in exploring the underlying structure of natural forms, and ‘Koraal’ reflects this interest. The coral is not simply represented as a natural object but is broken down into its constituent parts, revealing its geometric structure. This approach aligns with the broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the time, particularly the interest in deconstructing traditional modes of representation. Look at how the structure creates a tension between representation and abstraction. The form suggests the organic, yet the linearity points to a system of meaning and a visual language independent of the subject.