Alexander Moissi 2017

Gazmend Freitag made this drawing of Alexander Moissi in 2017 using what looks like pencil and watercolor on paper. I really love the way the artist has let the brown wash pool around the figure, it’s almost like the drawing is emerging from a sepia dream. The lines are so delicate, but they build to create the form, especially in the jacket. Check out how the rapid, scribbled strokes give it depth and texture. I’m drawn to the way the face is rendered. There is something about the eyes that feels so alive. It feels like Freitag is exploring the materiality of the paper, exploiting the contrast between the dry pencil and the wet wash. This process reminds me of Twombly, or maybe even Manet. What do you think? Art is just one big conversation after all.