Dawn 1990

Odd Nerdrum, painted Dawn, and like much of his work, it's a trip back in time with this old master vibe. It’s like he’s channeling Rembrandt but with a post-apocalyptic twist. The earth tones give it this otherworldly feel, like we're on some distant planet at the beginning of time. The texture is palpable. You can almost feel the grit of the earth and the coarse fabric of their cloaks. And those figures, gazing upwards, there's something both vulnerable and powerful in their posture, each mark feels deliberate, as if each brushstroke is a meditation on humanity’s place in the cosmos. The surface is built up with layers, a technique that invites the eye to wander. Nerdrum's work reminds me of Paula Rego, another artist who isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of the human experience. Ultimately, Dawn is a reminder that art isn't about answers, it’s about the questions we ask along the way.