Algiers 1903

Frantisek Kupka made this drawing, ‘Algiers’, with ink on paper, and the first thing you notice is how the agitated marks create a sense of chaos. The lines aren't just describing things; they're actively *doing* something, like little scratches of energy. Look at how he uses these frantic, almost scribbled lines to depict a crowd scene, all drama and heightened emotion, as if the ink itself is participating in the riot. The texture feels raw, immediate, and the monochromatic palette throws the scene into stark relief. Note the details around the figures at the front; see how the marks around their eyes and mouths amplify the drama, emphasizing the terror and frenzy. This work reminds me of Grosz, but looser, more immediate. It's a great example of how art can be a conversation across time, artists riffing off each other, pushing and pulling at ideas. Kupka isn’t giving us a clear, objective view, he’s embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations, so you can come to your own conclusions.