Self-portrait 2011

This self-portrait was created by Alfred Freddy Krupa using ink on paper. It’s a traditional medium, of course, but think about the immediacy it suggests. Ink lends itself to rapid execution, and there’s not much room for error. The drawing captures a wolf howling beneath a bare tree, with a suggestion of the moon. The artist’s technique is worth noting; the ink is applied with a practiced hand, building up the dark tones to give the image depth and drama. This approach can be seen in both traditional calligraphy and cartooning, so there is a dialogue at play here between aesthetics. The choice of materials and methods adds to the meaning of the artwork. What does it say that Krupa has chosen these media? Perhaps a statement about the accessibility and the lack of preciousness of art making? Whatever the answer, this artwork is a good reminder that the materials and methods used to create a piece of art are just as important as the final product.