With Grapes 2006

Vlada Ralko made this painting, titled 'With Grapes', at an unknown date using oil paints. The way Ralko applies the paint here, so directly, almost feels like she's wrestling with the image, or maybe it’s a dance. You can really see her process; it’s all there on the surface. I'm drawn to the earthy palette, the pinks and greens. The materiality of the paint is so present. It’s not about hiding the brushstrokes or blending everything smoothly; it's like she's inviting you to witness the act of creation. Look at the way she's rendered the figure; it's not about perfect anatomical accuracy. Instead, there's this raw, visceral energy. The marks are thick and loaded with feeling, like a conversation happening right on the canvas. It reminds me a little of Marlene Dumas, that same fearless exploration of the human form. It’s art as an ongoing, messy conversation. It shows you that art doesn’t have to give you all the answers. Sometimes, it's more about the questions it provokes.