Detail 2015

Saul Zanolari made this artwork, “Detail,” in 2015, and from the looks of it, digitally. There’s a kind of anatomical strangeness to the picture, where these blood vessels are springing out from this skull-like form. What's so interesting to me is the super high level of finish. It almost feels like you could reach out and touch it, but also very unreal at the same time. Everything is rendered meticulously. Take the grey ribbons that fold around the cylinder. The artist hasn't hidden their process. Instead, they showcase each layer as a testament to their technical ability. It brings to mind the work of Odd Nerdrum, another artist who uses traditional painterly techniques but creates scenes that are utterly bizarre. In both cases, the commitment to craft amplifies the sense of mystery. It reminds us that art isn’t just about what you see, but also about the countless decisions and revisions that lie beneath the surface.