Zelfportret 1919

Ludwig Meidner created this self-portrait with ink on paper. The frenetic energy in the mark-making suggests artmaking as a kind of manic process. I'm drawn to the way Meidner uses line—it's scratchy, urgent, and full of nervous energy. Look at the lower part of the face—see how the lines converge and diverge, creating a sense of depth and volume. The physical act of drawing, the pressure of the pen on the paper, becomes a record of the artist's inner state. It's not just about capturing a likeness; it's about expressing something raw and visceral. His work reminds me of other expressionist artists like Kirchner, who were similarly interested in conveying psychological states through distorted forms and agitated lines. It's like they're saying, "Here's what it feels like to be alive, to be human, to be wrestling with the world." There’s no single answer, just a constant questioning and exploration.