Return of the sun 1985

Editor: "Return of the Sun," painted in 1985 by Odd Nerdrum... It’s an oil painting, and honestly, I’m struck by how theatrical it is. The composition, with those figures straining forward, has a definite dramatic intensity. What catches your eye when you look at this work? Curator: Immediately, the structural elements command attention. Consider the arrangement of the figures – their interlocking forms create a powerful sense of unity, almost like a single, multifaceted entity. And observe Nerdrum's technique; his handling of light and shadow gives the figures a sculptural quality, while simultaneously flattening the pictorial space. Is this flattening effective, or does it detract from the painting’s narrative? Editor: I think it adds to the strangeness. The figures are so sharply defined, but the background is indistinct, heightening the sense of isolation. Also, what is going on with that sort of…hand-cloud thing on the left? Curator: Precisely. The "hand-cloud," as you aptly describe it, introduces a surreal element that disrupts any easy reading. The interplay of organic and amorphous forms is fascinating; it creates a visual tension that keeps the eye moving across the canvas. Consider the brushwork too: its looseness contrasts vividly against the precision used for the figures. What implications does this tension hold for the work’s meaning? Editor: I see what you mean now. It's less about what they're looking at and more about the tension between the tangible and intangible, real, and imagined. Curator: Indeed. And the Neo-Expressionist influences contribute a sense of raw emotion, communicated through painterly gesture. It's a masterclass in juxtaposing different artistic strategies to generate a potent, and deeply unsettling, effect. Editor: It’s so interesting to unpack it in terms of composition. It definitely changed my perspective on the narrative. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Looking closely at its structural elements allowed us a new appreciation for how Nerdrum elicits strong responses from the viewer.