by Leonie Andrews

Eva Hesse, sculptor?

The next artist on my list of subjects I an drawing for the Inktober 2024 challenge, is Eva Hesse (1936-1970). Definitely one of those “if only …” artists.

Hesse explored so many new materials and ideas in the very short life she had. I was introduced to her work when I studied art as a mature age student and while her sculptures continue to engage me, I have also become a massive fan of her drawings. If you want to see what she could do I highly suggest you look for a copy of the book Eva Hesse Oberlin,  which catalogues her work  held by Oberlin College. Given this book weighs just shy of 3 kgs (2.971kgs to be precise), you may have to prepare in more ways than one to tackle her body of work.

Eva Hesse, 1963,
from a photograph by Barbara Brown.

I noticed quite a different approach in the photos of Hesse, compared to those of Lee Kranser. I can’t decide if it was to do with the age she was living in, or the age of the sitter. I also felt drawn to adding some warmer tones to these drawings.

Eva Hesse c.1959,
from a photograph by Stephen Korbet

7 Comments

  3. Unknown's avatar

    I am loving this series – they are starting to feel like a body of work, and all so interesting! You are working with great assurance.

    Some time ago you sent me a link to Eva Hesse’s drawings and I loved them too. I have just re-looked at them and even a quick look sparks ideas for my own work! Thank you!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      I’m glad you’re enjoying the series. I will bind them all together in a book, along with some other experimental stuff and the photos I worked from. I’m getting a few ideas moving on, but not yet clear where this might lead.

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Thanks for commenting, I like to hear your thoughts and ideas.