Untitled Nu 1958

Nuri Iyem made this unnamed painting of nudes with oil on canvas. Look at the brushwork; it's loose and flowing, but also considered. It feels like Iyem is feeling his way through the composition, one mark at a time. There's a real materiality to this painting. The paint is thick in places, especially around the figures, giving them a sculptural quality. The color palette is limited, mostly blues and greens, which creates a sense of calm and introspection. I love the contrast between the standing figure shielding her eyes from the sun and the reclining figure, legs akimbo. The contrast suggests two different ways of being in the world. One is active and engaged, while the other is passive and reflective. It calls to mind Matisse, who was interested in capturing figures in the domestic sphere. Ultimately, this painting is a conversation between the artist and the canvas, a dance between intention and chance.