Kaksi alastonta naista 1877 - 1878

Helene Schjerfbeck made this drawing, ‘Kaksi alastonta naista’, with ink on paper, using a medium that allowed for the creation of fine lines and subtle shading. The choice of materials influences the appearance, with the ink creating sharp contrasts and a sense of immediacy, while the paper provides a textured ground for the composition. The techniques used are rooted in traditional art practices. The choice of materials makes the creative process economical and efficient. The artist seems to want to create an environment of accessibility, making the process seem less daunting and more down-to-earth. The drawing looks like a raw and immediate snapshot of a moment of creation. Paying attention to the ways of making, and the means of production helps us to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and to understand the meaning of the artwork more fully.