Zwei ruhende Akte c. 1908

This painting, Zwei ruhende Akte, by Adolf Hölzel, presents us with two figures rendered in juicy strokes of oil paint. The green backdrop and patterned rug set a vibrant stage for the fleshy tones of the reclining figures, where it's clear that artmaking is a process of layering and seeing. There’s a real physicality to the medium here; you can almost feel the push and pull of the brush across the canvas. The paint application varies from thin washes to thick impasto, creating a tactile surface that begs to be touched. I’m drawn to the small mark-making on the red patterned rug which is at once gestural and purposeful, adding a sense of depth and movement to the composition. Hölzel’s approach reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker, with her similar interest in the human form and exploration of bold, expressive colors. Both artists shared a commitment to pushing the boundaries of representation, embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations in their work.