Schetsboek met 34 bladen c. 1922 - 1925

This is Otto Verhagen's sketchbook, containing 34 leaves. And it’s more than just a book; it’s a journey. The cover, with its subdued, earthy tone, feels almost like raw canvas. See how the texture is really prominent? That's the materiality of the object coming through, and the little imperfections, stains, and the roughly written ‘III’ hints at use and history, artmaking as a living process. That neutral colour could be a kind of support for whatever ideas Otto was working out. The surface invites touch, use. You can almost feel the countless times the artist has held this book in their hands, turning pages, sketching, and contemplating. It’s like looking at a painter’s palette—maybe you don't know exactly what was made with it, but you can imagine it. This reminds me of some of Agnes Martin’s grids, where simplicity becomes a space for complex contemplation. Ultimately, this sketchbook is a testament to the ongoing dialogue between artists, materials, and ideas.