In the late fourteenth century artists increasingly used paper to develop their ideas and draw preparatory sketches dubbed primo pensiero (first thought). Most familiar are the sketchbooks of Leonardo da Vinci, who always had one hanging from his belt. Throughout the ages, a great many artists have used them. They have drawn in sketchbooks in or outside the studio, as an illustrated journal or daily protocol keeping, as a site of experimentation and exploration, or as an interim stage in their work. Sketchbooks are not usually exhibited. If visiting the artist’s studio allows one a glimpse of the private space where the creative process takes place, browsing through a sketchbook is like walking right into it.

*This is the second exhibition in this format at the Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art. The first show in the series, with different participants, was on view from January to May 2016.

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