Early Morning 

Odd Nerdrum, the Norwegian figurative painter, created "Early Morning" employing a classical style to evoke a sense of timelessness. Nerdrum, reacting against the conceptual art movements, sought to revive classical painting, emphasizing skill, craft, and emotional depth. The figures here, standing and sitting nude on a beach, have an androgynous quality, their identities ambiguous, almost archetypal. While Nerdrum appropriates from art history, his work defies easy categorization. The pale light and serene setting of the beach create an otherworldly atmosphere. Note how the figures’ inward focus suggests a narrative detached from our contemporary moment. While the art world has pushed for innovation and often celebrated the avant-garde, Nerdrum's "Early Morning" challenges us to consider the value of tradition and the enduring power of classical techniques to convey emotion and meaning.