Modern Art & Design Presents Isaac Grünewald

The Red Roof - Glasbruksgatan, Stockholm was painted during an intense period in the artist's life. He is still only twenty-five years old, but is already in the midst of a revolutionary career that at times takes its toll on both him and Sigrid. Together they also have a young son, Ivan. Outside, the Great World War is raging and in Sweden, people are remodeling their houses. Is there really room for such debauchery as exploding colorism? The criticism is harsh and also - in Grünewald's case - laced with anti-Semitism. Seen in that light, this painting sings of confident joy. “From this vantage point I am untouchable”, it seems to say. Here they would stay for twenty-five years.

Anyone who has any kind of relationship with the streets, heights and facades of Söder in Stockholm today will probably quickly recognize the feeling. Or really anyone who has experienced a sense of belonging and well-being in a neighborhood that feels like “home”. The knowledge and skill to express temperature and life is well expressed here. Cool pink against sunny yellow. And across it, hottest red. The whole view is “disturbed” by the sloping attic studio roof. The composition is masterfully executed with a confident and experienced hand. Something to notice is how Isaac has marked the roof tiles: cheerful J's, locks of hair, neat notes. It all sounds quite beautiful from this little city view.

More about the work