Käthe Kollwitz, Self-portrait, 1924
For something made in 1924 this feels SO CONTEMPORARY. Kollwitz’s prints are moody and emotional. This isn’t a pleasant portrait, she depicts real women. Her work reminds me a little of Paula Rego’s in all of their unfiltered honesty.
I LOVE seeing gritty, flawed women in art. I think I’ve spoken about this before, but I can’t remember if it’s to a friend after like 4 pints or in these emails. Kollwitz depicted working class women going about their days, not on a pedestal or as incredible heroes to be admired but just as ordinary people. And I like that. More of that!
I keep picking at the skin by my fingernails. Sorry if that’s gross but it’s so cold and windy and my hands are dry and I cannot leave them alone. I’ve kind of stopped biting my nails so you’ve got to give me some credit. Anyway, my nail beds are a disgusting, bloody mess right now. This is an extremely short email, but you’ve probably had enough. I’ll stop here.
Congrats you’ve made it to the end! Todah Rabah.
Eleanor x