Zeeanemonen 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this work, Zeeanemonen, using graphite and crayon on paper. The drawing is predominantly black and grey, with small touches of red that give the anemones a lifelike feel. Notice how Dijsselhof uses the texture of the paper to his advantage; the grain comes through in the graphite, adding depth. The paper is torn at the top edge, and this imperfection emphasizes the fragility of the medium. Dijsselhof used traditional art materials, but the way he applied them is quite distinctive. The dense layering and almost obsessive repetition of forms suggest a labour-intensive process. The way Dijsselhof has worked the paper brings a kind of democratic sensibility. It blurs the boundaries between high art and the everyday. This drawing reminds us that art is not just about the final image but also about the act of making.