Brief aan Jan Ponstijn en Henriëtte Johanna Petronella van Hilten Possibly 1941 - 1942

This letter was written by Leo Gestel in Blaricum, Holland on February 25th, 1941. It's a tender artifact, inscribed with looping lines that lean and curve across the page. I can see Gestel hunched over the paper, the nib of his pen scratching as he shares news of Jan and Henriëtte. The ink varies in darkness, pooling in some areas and fading in others, a record of the pressure he applied as he formed each word. The handwriting is intimate and personal, a glimpse into his thoughts and concerns during a tumultuous time. The letter appears to be a site of inquiry, a way for Gestel to make sense of his relationships and surroundings. Gestel's wider practice was very varied; letters like this add another facet of his artistic practice. Although he is not painting, he is still imbuing each word with such life. I think artists are always talking to each other, even across time. The exchange of ideas just keeps going, inspiring each other’s creativity, and this letter feels like a direct line to the artist. It's a reminder that art is more than just what hangs on the walls; it's in the stories we tell, the connections we make, and the humanity we share.