Art by Teun Hocks. Published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam.
Those books do not look at all stable. Dream-like image of difficult journey.
Many will know the feeling. Particularly students, booksellers. Many different situations.
This intriguing postcard displays a somewhat surreal and visually
striking artwork that combines elements of realism and fantasy. This
painting depicts a middle-aged man seated on a vintage bicycle atop a
steep, earthen slope that tilts ominously toward a swirling, cloudy sky.
The background suggests a stormy, tumultuous atmosphere, providing a
dynamic and somewhat unsettling backdrop to the scene.
The man,
dressed in a simple, unbuttoned white shirt and black trousers, exudes
an air of contemplation and resilience. He gazes upward with an
expression of resolve or perhaps fascination, seemingly unphased by the
imminent danger or peculiarity of his situation. His hair and shirt are
gently tousled, indicating a breeze or ongoing movement.
One of
the most striking features of this composition is how the bicycle is
loaded. In place of a rear wheel, there appears to be a construct of
wooden bookshelves brimming with books. This makeshift library includes a
wide array of books, hinting at an intellectual journey or a
metaphorical ride through knowledge and learning, even in the face of
potential peril.
Below the precarious incline, scattered and
partially buried in the ground, are more books. These might symbolize
lost or discarded knowledge, emphasizing the theme of relentless pursuit
of learning, regardless of the circumstances.
Overall, the
artwork merges themes of adventure, risk, and the pursuit of
intellectualism, evoking a narrative that encourages viewers to think
about the bounds of reality, the power of knowledge, and the human
spirit’s indomitable will to venture beyond the familiar and safe, even
when the path leads into the unknown.
