Houten huizen op Marken 1916

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp created this image of wooden houses on Marken using etching. The sepia colouration lends the image a dreamy and contemplative mood. I like how the scratchy lines define the form of the buildings, the landscape and the figures, evoking a sense of stillness. I can imagine the artist carefully scratching at the plate with their tools, trying to capture the spirit of this place. There’s a lone figure sitting on the bridge - are they a local, or perhaps the artist themselves, contemplating their existence? The artist has created a lovely sense of depth to the piece, inviting us to meander through this landscape. It feels like a memory, or a dream, not quite real but emotionally potent. By printing, the artist has created a sense of intimacy, allowing us to reflect on the beauty of everyday life. Artists are constantly in dialogue and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring each other’s creativity.