Turban c. 1936

Melita Hofmann made this wee drawing, Turban, with graphite on paper sometime during her life. What I like about this drawing is the way the turban is rendered with such care. Each line is a mark of consideration, a thoughtful attempt to capture form. There’s a tenderness in the graphite that I find really moving. The drawing sits quietly on the page, its modesty disarming. Look at how the turban seems to be constructed from many strands that wrap around a soft form, and how the marks are more like a caress. You can almost feel the fabric. It's easy to see some parallels with the work of Agnes Martin, in terms of the simplicity and the focus on line. Both artists share a love for the quiet, meditative power of art. It reminds us that art isn’t just about making a statement, but about opening up a space for contemplation and reflection.