Since 2003, Henri Jacobs has dedicated himself to a continuous series of drawings that have become known as the Journal Drawings. Initially a project for his students, where they were instructed to draw whatever caught their eye or impressed them on a particular day, it has now become a method for his own artistic expression. The result is an ongoing collection of drawings, each one delving into new motives and forms before abandoning them to make way for new ideas and experimentation.
Jacobs’s drawings are a masterpiece of virtuosity, with a precise yet playful technique. The images range from abstract geometric and calligraphic shapes and patterns to stylized portraits, landscapes, and architectural forms. Often, there are references to art history and renowned artists such as Matisse and Jasper Johns, highlighting Jacobs’s deep understanding and appreciation for the art world. Ultimately, the Journal Drawings represent a continual process of creation, as Jacobs continually challenges himself to redefine and reinvent his craft through each drawing.
www.ftn-books.com has the van Abbemuseum catalog now available.
