Dois nus 1930

Lasar Segall made this painting, Dois nus, with oil on canvas, and it's like stepping into a world of muted, earthy tones. The colours feel deliberately understated, kind of hazy. Up close, you can see how the paint is laid down in simple, confident strokes, almost like he’s carving the figures out of the canvas. It's not about perfection but about getting the essence of the form. See how the light catches the shoulder of the seated figure? It's so simply done, but it gives the form a real sense of volume. It makes you feel like you could reach out and touch the curve of the body. There's a rawness to it that reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker. Both artists share a similar interest in the human form. Their work celebrates the beauty and dignity of everyday life. Ultimately, it feels like painting should: a conversation, not a declaration.