flailing about

Her familiarity with human expression of the face and body made my body vibrate with empathy for her subjects. Her confidence with line and colour is so beautiful and messy to an absolutely perfect imperfection.

Do artists still capture life in the moment that it is lived?

Elfriede seemed to do just that. Her scenes and characters are snapshots of the mundane and extraordinary. A smudge of pastel or a splodge of paint exaggerate postures and expression to make the images hum with vibrancy and movement. They moved me.

The exhibition is in Ernst Barlach Gallery in Hamburg. It absolutely blew me away. Just in case you happen to be in Hamburg, you can find info about the exhibition here. The gallery is set in the beautiful Jenischpark in the south of Hamburg and well worth a visit. This added to the special experience for me. I have been yearning for green space since arriving in Hamburg three weeks ago. It is very big and grey. An explosion of colour hidden amongst ancient trees and lakes was exactly what I needed.

As well as the painted figures, I also enjoyed watching the watchers. The different ways in which we choose to experience art are as colourful as the pieces themselves.

The photo taker: One older lady took photos of every piece and a selfie with the image on the flier. In the past, I have judged the photo takers harshly. I caught myself doing this and questioned what other story could be behind this action? Perhaps she came for a friend who desperately wanted to go but couldn’t make it.? The photos might be shared and greatly enjoyed later? Maybe she feels uncomfortable taking the time to truly appreciate art if she feels watched? Perhaps she had already spent hours there and wanted to continue to enjoy the work at home.

The expert: A woman explaining to her friend every technique used in each painting. “Yes, that’s a very good technique to use if you are a beginner”. Exhibiting her knowledge. The knowledgeable eye sees quite differently. I remember when I first learned how photosynthesis works, then looking at leaves in absolute wonder. I was filled with awe that so much is going on inside! Even after just a week of learning watercolours, I found my appreciation of Elfriede’s brush strokes was deepened. I wonder if I had had company, would I have wanted to exhibit that little bit of knowledge? Would my need to prove myself have taken away from my absolute absorption in the work?

When I got home, I got my paints out like an enthusiastic child. Trying to channel Elfriede, I churned out two portraits full of bold brush strokes and daring colour. I leaned into the discomfort of ignoring my perfectionism, my body twitching and fiddling out my anxiety. The result was not important. The exhilaration of inspiration was electrifying.