SYSTEMATIC DRAWINGS
SYSTEMATIC DRAWINGS
Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
systematic (adjective)
1a. relating to or consisting of a system
1b. presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles
1c. methodical in procedure or plan
2. marked by thoroughness and regularity
The term systematic refers to a methodical and structured approach; in this work, it denotes the deliberate process by which each mark is produced through controlled repetition, gesture, and force.
Charcoal, one of the earliest human-fabricated materials, has been instrumental in the progression of civilization. Its production—achieved by removing moisture and volatile compounds from organic matter—yields a carbon-rich residue through a simultaneously delicate and violent process. Historically, charcoal was employed in prehistoric cave art, positioning it as a foundational medium in the evolution of human visual expression. My choice to work with charcoal stems from its significance in cultural development and artistic practice.
The works presented are rooted in printmaking traditions, with particular reference to monotype processes. Each composition originates from a dry-brushed canvas bathed in powdered charcoal, then forcefully applied to the support surface to produce a distinct and expressive mark. Tonal variation and form emerge through the interplay of the canvas shape, the quantity of charcoal, and the force exerted with each gesture.
Much like human existence, each drawing is singular and has unique attributes. When viewed collectively, this individuality becomes the unifying element. The repetitive process of their creation—governed by force, chance, and variation— invites reflection on the tension between chaos and control, accident and intention. In this way, the work captures moments of turbulence and destruction that ultimately create mysterious beauty as a metaphor for the creation of life.
Jesús De La Rosa
Systematic Drawings, 2008
At the University of Texas-Brownsville exhibition, I aimed to create an inclusive and participatory experience that blurred the boundary between artist and audience. Visitors at the opening reception were invited to make drawings on-site, contributing directly to the evolving installation and fostering a sense of collective expression and community.
This series includes over two hundred individual works on paper.
Dimensions 22"x 30" per individual sheet created on Utrecht American Masters paper.
The installation is adaptable in scale, making it suitable for various exhibition spaces. The whole series is available for exhibition, and individual works are available for purchase.