Ruset 2017

Nick Alm, born in 1985, made this painting, ‘Ruset’ with oils in a style that leans towards realism but with a twist. Look at how the brushstrokes are smooth, almost caressing the canvas, as if the artist is lost in thought while painting. I can almost feel Alm’s presence here, like he’s right beside me, whispering secrets about color and light. The cool tones create a melancholic atmosphere. It's like a memory, not quite clear, but full of feeling. The subject in the foreground has her eyes closed. Is she deep in thought? What dreams are playing in her mind? Her slightly tilted head, how the shadows define her face and neck, each brushstroke feels like a quiet, careful observation, like he's trying to capture not just her appearance, but her essence. It reminds me a little of Vilhelm Hammershøi, the way he uses light and shadow to create mood. I find comfort in the idea that artists are always in conversation, building on what came before, and pushing things forward.