A project inspired by the hidden paintings of Vincent van Gogh.  He often painted new paintings over or on the back of existing works.

 

The Hushed Portraits

 

To the ones

left

covered

surviving suffocation

who fought

held up

their own

unfinished

muted

 

you

the background

alchemists

whisper a man’s

brave struggle.

 

You are

his tears

the creases of his hands

 

thoughts

 

you are

deeply

completely

violently

Vincent.

– Hermien Kolkman 21 February 2014