Pipe Bowl c. 1937

This image shows Carl Keksi’s rendering of a pipe bowl, done in graphite and watercolour. There’s a real skill in making these materials look so sculptural. What gets me about this piece is the making of the image, it’s so delicate, and precise. Look how the hatching builds form, describing texture and depth. It’s like Keksi is showing us not just the object, but also his understanding of it. The details, like the leaves and acorns, and the portraits, have this tactile quality; you can almost feel the original object in your hands. And then there’s the color. It’s so restrained, so earthy. It gives the whole thing this quiet, contemplative vibe. It's not about showing off, but about really seeing. For me, this work speaks to a dialogue with the old masters, maybe someone like Durer. It’s like Keksi is asking, what does it mean to make an image in our time? It's a reminder that art is always in conversation, always building on what came before, but in a new way.