“The Summer” by Odd Nerdrum, embodying the Kitsch art movement, is a fine example of genre painting. The artwork captures a serene moment of leisure by a lakeshore, involving a group of figures engaged in various activities that typify a summer’s day.
In this artwork, a group of individuals is depicted in a tranquil setting by the water. A lone figure stands in the water to the left, wrapped in a white cloth, gazing introspectively towards the horizon. Central to the composition, another figure, seated and facing the water, appears to be pointing towards the distance, while a nearby youth reclines casually on a chair-like structure. To their right, a figure bends over, attending to a task near the ground. Another individual, standing on the shoreline, seems to be ready to throw a large hoop into the water. In the foreground, a child sits on the grass, adding to the scene’s sense of calm and collective enjoyment. The soft, golden hues and the delicate rendering of the figures underscore the work’s nostalgic and contemplative mood, characteristic of the Kitsch movement’s approach to art.
