Blumenstück 1902

Tina Blau made this flower piece with oil paints. She’s not being too precious with the paint, and I like that. Blau’s palette feels grounded, like she’s dug the colors right out of the earth. The reds, greens, and ochres are so visceral. She's not trying to trick us into thinking these are real flowers – it’s all about the paint. Look closely, and you can see the individual strokes, the way she’s built up the texture, it's like she's wrestling with the canvas! There's a certain freedom in seeing how she's layered the paint, each stroke a deliberate mark. Blau reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker in her earthy approach to still life. Both artists share a fascination with the mundane and the beauty of everyday objects. It's a refreshing reminder that art doesn't always have to be grandiose or complicated to be meaningful.