Swiss girl c. 1930

Kirchner made this drawing, Swiss Girl, with coloured pencils, the date is unknown. Look at how the marks are laid down, almost like scribbles, but somehow they create a figure and a space. It’s like Kirchner is thinking through the drawing, letting us see his process. The surface has this beautiful, slightly rough texture from the paper coming through. The colours are muted, blues, browns, and pinks, giving the piece a melancholic feel. Notice the hands, they’re almost claw-like, really expressive. And that empty white rectangle on the table – is it a letter, a blank canvas, or just a void? That negative space becomes a focal point. The mark-making is loose, but intentional. Kirchner did a lot of portraits and figure studies, often exploring themes of alienation and modern life. I'm reminded of Munch, they both had a similar sensitivity to the emotional power of line and colour. It is a piece that invites you to bring your own experience and interpret the girl's story.