Hidden Treasures 1949

Edward Runci made this painting of a woman with a candle in oils, and its dreamy palette makes me think of how the process of artmaking can be a kind of treasure hunt in itself. Runci’s Hidden Treasures, has a tactile quality. It’s how he uses those thick daubs and glazes to sculpt the form. Notice how the woman's skin seems to glow, and how the texture of the translucent blue sheet contrasts against the dark, velvety shadows. I particularly love the small detail of how the candlelight bounces off her skin, making her red lipstick pop out in the dark. It’s like Runci is inviting us to see the world through his eyes, to appreciate the beauty and sensuality that can be found in the everyday. It puts me in mind of Lisa Yuskavage's paintings in the way that it plays with both idealized and somewhat ‘off-kilter’ form. Ultimately, it’s not about answers. It's about opening up to the possibilities, finding joy in the unexpected, and embracing the ambiguity of experience.