Carel Willink - Wilma the cat

Wilma with Cat

This poster shows an evocative image that relates to the exhibition 'Terugblik op Willink' by AC Willink in the Gemeentemuseum Arnhem in 1984. The central image is a portrait of a woman holding a cat, framed by a richly colored and textured environment. The background consists of deep shades of purple and chestnut brown, which form a dramatic contrast with the lighter colors of the figures in the foreground.
The woman, positioned slightly to the left of center, looks directly at the viewer with an intense and steady gaze. Her appearance is somewhat somber, with neatly styled hair and subtle makeup that accentuates her features. Her outfit consists of a knitted sweater with a red and white grid, adding a touch of vibrancy to her otherwise subdued color scheme.
She firmly holds a white cat with distinct black and brown spots, which appears calm and relaxed in her arms. The cat's eyes are partially closed, suggesting comfort and trust in its keeper. The way the woman holds the cat suggests a protective and caring attitude, which together with her direct gaze adds an emotional depth to the image.
The setting suggests an architectural interior, possibly a balcony or a high windowsill, indicated by the balustrade visible as a shadowy outline on the right of the image. At the bottom of the poster, in simple font, the text "AC WILLINK" is clearly visible, followed by "GEMEENTEMUSEUM ARNHEM", indicating the location and focus of the exhibition that the poster promotes.
Overall, the poster combines captivating portraiture with a strong use of color and composition to create an inviting, yet mysterious appeal, designed to generate interest in the art exhibition being advertised.
The back of the poster invites companies and organizations to become art sponsors. New donors to the Gemeentemuseum who registered as art sponsors after seeing the poster were invited to a special tour on December 20, 1984.