Figurkomposition - udkast til relief om forskellige håndværk? 1932 - 1935

This is a sketch on paper by Niels Larsen Stevns, currently held at the SMK in Copenhagen. At first glance, the composition appears chaotic, yet it reveals a structured approach to form and space. The use of bold, rapid strokes delineates figures and objects, creating a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space. Larsen Stevns employs hatching and cross-hatching techniques to suggest depth and volume, albeit in an abstract manner. The tools of various trades float unanchored. The sketch engages with the modernist exploration of fragmentation. It destabilizes traditional notions of representation by presenting the subject matter in a non-hierarchical, almost Cubist fashion. This challenges our understanding of space and perspective. The artist emphasizes the materiality of the medium itself. The raw, unrefined quality of the sketch underscores the process of artistic creation, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of representation and perception. It serves as a reminder that art is not just about the final product but also about the journey of exploration and discovery.