View into Infinity 1914

Ferdinand Hodler made this painting, called View into Infinity, sometime around 1913, we don't have an exact date. What I love about it is the way he's working with a limited palette and repeated forms. It's like he's figuring something out as he goes, right on the canvas. Check out the brushwork on the blue dresses – it’s loose, almost watery in places, and then thick and textured elsewhere, really emphasizing the weight of the fabric. Notice the way Hodler uses small dashes and strokes to suggest the folds and contours of the garments, creating a sense of movement and depth. The color shifts slightly from figure to figure, making each woman feel both individual and connected. The way the figures are arranged reminds me of Munch. Both painters seem to be interested in how we relate to each other, and the world around us, and how those connections can be both beautiful and unsettling. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art is a process of discovery, not just a finished product.