Untitled, 14.5 x 13.5 inches, ink & pencil on paper, ©2013 Lena Ohlén
Despite its obvious drawbacks, Facebook can be great for certain things, not least of which is discovering new artists. But it can also have some unexpected benefits. Sometimes you can win a great piece of artwork by being the 100th “like” on an artist’s page, which is how I came to acquire this very cool drawing.
Untitled (detail), ©Lena Ohlen
Lena Ohlén is a Swedish artist who creates drawings using only simple markings like tiny lines and circles, with pencil and pen. She achieves rich texture and pattern, plus a wide range of values and mesmerizing depth, with nothing more than these very basic markings. It must take a very long time to do, and I can imagine that to create an entire drawing is a thoroughly soul-cleansing experience.
Here are a couple more from her web site. I love this one with the straight lines. It looks as though the surface is an old wall, perhaps made of wooden shingles, slowly collapsing under its own weight. I get the feeling I could reach out and touch the rough surface and experience every ridge in the intense texture. It puts me in mind of some of the El Anatsui tapestries.
Untitled, ink & pencil on paper, ©Lena Ohlén
Here’s my favorite, a color line drawing based on water. The blog is in Swedish, but thanks to the magic of Google Translate, you can get a decent approximation of what she says about her work.
Untitled, colored ink & pencil on paper, ©2013 Lena Ohlén. (See the high-res here.)
See more of Lena Ohlén’s work:
I love art work where line/markings are central to the composition. Lucky you!