Zelfportret 1991

This is a self-portrait made by Philip Akkerman using graphite on paper. Look at how the lines build up, layer upon layer, to create the form of his face. It’s like he’s mapping his own features, a process of getting to know himself through mark-making. The texture of the paper, visible through the graphite, adds another layer to the drawing, making it feel immediate and raw. The lines are both delicate and assertive, creating a sense of depth and volume. See how the light catches the bridge of his nose, the subtle shadows under his eyes, all rendered with such sensitivity. Notice the area around his left ear and how it dissolves into a series of almost abstract marks, a contrast to the tight rendering of his face. There’s something about this drawing that reminds me of the obsessive self-portraiture of artists like Chuck Close, but with a more intimate, handmade feel. It's a reminder that art is not just about the final image, but also about the process of making, the act of seeing and translating the world onto paper.