Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1960s.
Signature: Malin

The abstract painting by Tartu’s leading surrealist Ilmar Malin operates with geometric forms and emphasized contour lines. “On the Road” is a symbolic statement, expressing the author’s adherence to modernist art movements, the need for experimentation, and creative self-searching.

The painting takes an interesting approach when it comes to the problem of space, depicting the illusion of depth within the image, using techniques typical of cubism, abstract expressionism, and surrealism. But the treatment of color betrays the refined Palladian school of painting.

Artist Mauri Gross writes: “The powerful confusion is clear and recognizable as is typical of the author. The powerful and clear surface motif is a good anchor for those who know the rules of the game but for everyone else, it leaves lingering questions. Lushly painted layers with firmly defined contrasting bright colors are equally effective in today’s art world.”

Text: Harry Liivrand, Mauri Gross