Vlak land met boerderijen 1893 - 1943

Curator: Here we have Ingwer Paulsen's "Vlak land met boerderijen," a drawing and etching which the museum estimates was created sometime between 1893 and 1943. Editor: My first impression is one of starkness. It's minimalist to the point of desolation, yet the subtle variations in tone achieved through etching are fascinating. Curator: Indeed, the landscape is remarkably flattened. Paulsen’s skillful application of etching gives us a range of textures. Note how the artist creates depth and recession by controlling the darkness and density of etched lines, a rather ingenious demonstration of graphic depth on a single plane. Editor: And considering that flatness, aren’t those farmhouses rather interesting, too? They huddle low on the horizon as if seeking protection from a powerful presence beyond the frame, possibly nature itself? It seems they occupy such an uneasy position between the land and sky. It calls to mind larger questions around survival and marginalisation, of people living in very unforgiving environments. Curator: That resonates. Structurally, it could be said that those low forms both anchor the landscape and serve as visual bridges. Furthermore, their repeated triangular roof shapes introduce rhythm and break the horizontal dominance. Did you notice how that dominant, tonal variation subtly mirrors the contours and shallow depressions within the visible plain, again attesting to the visual skill displayed in his use of print and etching techniques? Editor: Thinking about how the audience would experience such a work, I find myself contemplating the sociopolitical context within which landscapes can often communicate power and control. Perhaps a commentary on the inhabitants' perceived social standing? Curator: An interesting thought, although from a formal perspective I see instead how the monochrome print eliminates distractions of color and draws our eye to the interplay of textures. It is a work of rigorous simplicity. Editor: And, conversely, its restrained quality lends the scene considerable force. Paulsen communicates how communities respond to ecological or geographical vulnerability. Curator: Well, this deep dive shows that what may appear as simple formalism can give way to a whole world of deeper meanings! Editor: Indeed. Perhaps now others too can appreciate that still waters often do run deep!