About the work
The horizon line of this gouache lies significantly below the central axis of the vertical format. The sky is thus assigned the space it deserves. This landscape created with light brushstrokes suggests expansiveness. The lower area of the work is defined by a variety of shades of green and brown, illustrating a flat landscape in a variety of long brushstrokes. These are applied in pairs or in larger numbers staggered horizontally. The handmade paper remains evident as the image carrier, which not only endows the work with a great lightness, but also always emphasises the aspect of creation. The subjectivity of the artistic impression is thus granted here. In contrast with this, it becomes apparent while viewing that Sprotte is able to create a universally valid expression of a sparse North Sea landscape through the reduction of the pictorial means. The sky landscape occupies the most space in the gouache and is reduced in colouring through a few brushstrokes in shades of white and grey. Three black colour areas on the horizon line accentuate the work and guide the gaze of the viewer into the depths of the pictorial space. The representation breathes a peaceful atmosphere. Internal expanse also arises when viewing.
Text authored and provided by Dr Andrea Fink, art historian
The art historian, curator and freelance publicist Andrea Fink studied art history, cultural studies and humanities, modern history and philosophy in Bochum and Vienna. Doctorate in 2007 on the work of the Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. As a freelance curator and art consultant, her clients include, among others, the Kunstverein (art association) Ahlen, Kunstverein Soest, Wella Museum, Museum am Ostwall Dortmund, ThyssenKrupp AG, Kulturstiftung Ruhr, Osthaus Museum Hagen, Franz Haniel GmbH, Kunsthalle Krems, Austria.
