Elsy Menko – Decay #3
Discarded Rag Doll
The realistic painting of a discarded rag doll on top of a pile of rags by a favorite Dutch autodidact painter called Jopie Huisman (1922-2000) seemed a perfect subject for the decay series. I received permission from the Jopie Huisman museum, where all of his works are exhibited and where his legacy is safeguarded, to use any of his works as inspiration for quilts.
Cotton fabrics, painted gauze, string, crayons
Detail view:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
What an original subject choice which is well executed. There is a sense of sadness and abandonment which surrounds the image. Great work!
A loving and caring interpretation of Jopie Huisman’s work, it would be interesting to know the title of his painting.
I felt so uncomfortable because the doll is so realistic and looks like a child’s body.
The choice of fabrics reinforces every detail.
This is a really interesting approach to “decay”.
There is always something very touching and at the same time very sad about abandoned toys. You’ve really captured the atmosphere.
Very beautifully executed work.
You have depicted the discarded doll really well, and captured the rather sad fate of the toy. The details you have added are perfect. Well done
I love the works of Jopie Huisman and I’ve been to his museum. He was a genius of painting the decaying objects. You captured the spirit of his works and I love the 3D details in your quilt. Very well done!
An interesting idea to use a painting on the decay subject at work. Excellent execution. sad.
Oh dear, what a sad picture! You have shown a very personal side to decay – some child’s abandoned treasure – but you have done it beautifully.
I love Jopie Huisman’s work and visited the museum twice. You did a wonderful job in “translating” his painting of the abandoned doll into fabric. The pile of old cloth is so well done. It is a terrific way to portray decay. Bravo!
A feeling of abandonment permeates your quilt, and the minute details are wonderful, full of emotion.
I love all the textures of the pile of remnants. Great composition and attention to details. Bravo!
I love the painting of Jopie Huisman and you did a great job creating a quilts from one of his pictures. A great choice of fabrics and colors. I really love the face of the doll.
What an interesting subject and very dramatic result, love the colors too!
Excellent interpretation of Jopie’s old and forgotten rag doll painting. So many feelings! Your fabric choices, 3D effect techniques and details brings the quilt to life. Very sad but well done!