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Rob Birza paints, draws and creates installations and sculptures. In 1996 the Stedelijk Museum purchased a group of around 30 drawings by Birza, of which this is one. Within his oeuvre, the drawings have always held an important and independent place, and cannot be considered as sketches or preliminary studies for paintings. Although this work has no actual title, the reference to Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ is unmistakable. However, Birza’s drawing employs bright colors, unlike the Munch painting, which is executed in somber, dismal tones. Birza often returns to existing themes or styles, reworking them according to his own vision. This drawing was made using egg tempera: pigment mixed with egg yolk and water. Working with egg tempera requires considerable expertise; the work must be executed rapidly because egg tempera is an extremely fast-drying medium.