Tänzerin 1919

Christian Rohlfs made this drawing of a dancer with crayon and gouache, two of my favorite materials because of their immediacy. I love the way the marks feel so raw, like you can see the artist working through the form in real time. The colours are muted, earthy tones that feel both vibrant and grounded. Look at the texture, the way the crayon scratches and blends with the gouache. There's a real sense of physicality, like Rohlfs was wrestling with the materials to bring this dancer to life. Focus on her face. It’s so expressive, caught in a moment of movement and emotion. The dark lines around the eyes and mouth give her a theatrical intensity. It reminds me of Kirchner and the other German Expressionists, who were also trying to capture the raw energy of modern life. It's not about perfection, it’s about feeling, about capturing a fleeting moment. And isn't that what art is all about?