Raw emotion

This work is built up layer by layer with graphite on coarse-grained paper. The grainy texture of the paper contributes to the natural roughness of the work and thus played a crucial role in depicting the emotion.

This "roughness" amplifies the image—a cry of frustration, sadness, and pain, captured in the strokes of the pencil. By blurring or applying the graphite with intensity, a dynamic interplay of light and dark emerged. The movement in the work speaks of an unbridled energy, an undeniable force that drowns out everything.

The face in the drawing is an outburst of raw emotion—intense and uninhibited. The cry is palpable in every line, in every shadow. The roughness reflects the intensity. The imperfection makes the work authentic; the imperfection contributes to its realness. The intensity of the moment is particularly visible in the eyes and mouth—a story told not with words, but with the power of the drawing itself.

The inspiration for this piece comes from the lyrics of R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts," which echo a raw vulnerability—a pain that cuts deep into the soul. It reminds us that everyone struggles sometimes, that life's pain sometimes feels unbearable, but that we are not alone in our struggles.

By expressing these emotions, we increase our resilience. Expressing our deepest feelings helps us heal and grow stronger. It is the promise of recovery, even in the darkest times, that we keep fighting despite everything. The power of the human spirit is an inexhaustible source of hope that enables us to overcome any challenge.