Gul figur 1917

Gosta Adrian-Nilsson made "Gul figur" with oil on canvas, though we don't know exactly when. What hits me first is the colour – these strong blues, greens, reds, and yellows are really working to create a sense of depth and movement. The figure itself is fragmented, almost Cubist, but with this muscular, dynamic energy. The brushwork is pretty direct, you can see how Nilsson has built up the image with these bold strokes and blocks of colour. Look closely at that sharp, red triangle near the top - it jabs out, creating a focal point, but also disrupting the overall harmony. It's this kind of tension that makes the painting so engaging, it's like Nilsson is pushing and pulling at the image, trying to find a balance between representation and abstraction. His work reminds me of some of the Futurists, like Boccioni. In the end, what the painting communicates is always open, always changing.