Just say you love me 

Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze’s Just Say You Love Me is an evocative, undated painting that captures a complex emotional landscape. Edlinger-Kunze emerged as an artist during a time when identity politics were becoming central to artistic discourse. Here, the figure’s pose suggests vulnerability, while her gaze hints at a deeper, perhaps defiant, strength. The tattoo on her leg might signal a personal narrative, a mark of identity or a past experience, permanently etched into her skin. The title, “Just Say You Love Me”, adds another layer. It speaks to a universal desire for acceptance and love, but also hints at the power dynamics inherent in seeking validation. The raw brushstrokes and unfinished quality of the painting evoke a sense of immediacy. Edlinger-Kunze’s work invites us to contemplate the multifaceted nature of identity, and the courage it takes to ask for what one needs.