Annotaties 1914

This page of annotations was made by Willem Witsen, probably in a notebook, and it's a beautiful insight into the artist's mind. It’s all about process, about trying to capture a moment, or a feeling, in words. I’m drawn to the materiality of the page, the way the ink bleeds slightly into the paper, suggesting a kind of urgency. The handwriting is loose and informal, almost like sketching. There's something really intimate about seeing an artist's notes, like getting a glimpse behind the curtain. It makes me think about the act of writing as a form of mark-making, similar to painting, where each stroke and line carries its own weight and energy. Look closely at how the letters are formed, some bold and confident, others hesitant and thin. It’s like a little dance. I’m reminded of Cy Twombly’s scrawled notations, which have a similar sense of immediacy and playfulness, reminding us that art doesn’t always have to be about grand statements. Sometimes, it’s the small, fleeting moments that resonate most deeply.