Isoäiti 1917

Tyko Sallinen made this painting, Isoäiti, with what looks like oil on canvas, and his approach to mark making is all about these deliberate, visible brushstrokes. It really puts the emphasis on the process. Looking closely, you can see how Sallinen builds up the surface, layering these muted tones to create depth and shadow. Notice the way he defines the figures, especially the grandmother’s face, with these almost sculptural strokes, it feels like he’s carving out the forms. There’s this lovely balance between the solidity of the figures and the almost abstract quality of the background, all created with these simple marks. The area around the chair is particularly good. It reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker, not just in the subject matter, but also in that earthy, grounded feel. And, you know, that’s what’s so great about painting, it’s always this conversation, an exchange of ideas across time.