Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1911

Jan Hillebrand Wijsmuller made this briefkaart for Philip Zilcken, likely with ink on card. The process of mark making in this piece seems deliberately understated, almost as if Wijsmuller is trying to efface his presence. It's interesting to see how the physical qualities of the postcard, its texture and color, play into the emotional experience it evokes. The surface is smooth, the color muted, and the ink barely there, almost as if the message is fading. The blank lines seem to stretch on forever, inviting inscription but also reminding us of the ephemeral nature of communication. The box for the stamp is just an outline, a suggestion of connection, not yet realized. It reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, particularly her use of subtle lines and grids to create a sense of calm and contemplation. Both artists seem to be interested in the power of suggestion, in the idea that less can be more. Ultimately, this postcard is a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, a dialogue between artists and viewers that spans time and space.