img397 Ernst Fuchs

The drawing presents a central figure dominating the composition, rendered in a stark monochrome palette. The individual is depicted nude, with exaggerated anatomical features – elongated limbs, a prominent nose, and disproportionately large hands. A single strand of hair falls down the front of the torso. Two arms are raised, one shielding the eyes as if observing something distant or obscured, while the other gestures upwards. Emerging from the shoulders are what appear to be rudimentary wings, suggesting an aspiration towards flight or transcendence.
Below this central figure lies a complex arrangement of faces and organic forms. These smaller figures seem to sprout from the ground like plants, their expressions ranging from sorrowful to grotesque. An owl sits prominently amongst them, its presence adding a layer of symbolic complexity – owls are often associated with wisdom, but also with nocturnal observation and secrets. A human-like face is positioned near the figure’s feet, seemingly offering or presenting something held in its hand.
The artist has incorporated text into the upper portion of the drawing: Man kann keine Zeit nicht verbringen which translates to “One cannot spend time without spending it.” This inscription adds a philosophical dimension to the work, potentially commenting on the inescapable nature of time and experience. The script’s placement above the central figure suggests that this sentiment is directly related to its posture and gaze.
The drawings style leans towards Expressionism, with its distorted proportions and emphasis on emotional intensity. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of texture and depth, while also contributing to the overall feeling of unease. The composition’s arrangement suggests a hierarchy: the central figure embodies an attempt at understanding or control, while the surrounding figures represent the complexities and burdens of existence. The work seems to explore themes of mortality, perception, and the human condition through a combination of figurative representation and symbolic imagery.