16867 („Man muss die Fehler übersehen …“) 1932

This little paper work with collage and ink, was made by John Elsas in 1932. What a strange, delightful image! I wonder what Elsas was thinking, cutting and sticking these shapes together to make a figure with such character. The title translates to "One must overlook the mistakes, then this picture is beautiful too." I get the sense that he's winking at us, inviting us to see the beauty in imperfection. I know that feeling. It's how I approach my own painting sometimes: embracing the messy, the awkward, and the unexpected. The texture is amazing— it reminds me of Gustav Klimt. All those tiny marks create depth and movement. And that eye! So expressive, so full of life, peering out from this patchwork figure.