“The Water Protectors,” created by Odd Nerdrum between 1983 and 1993, is an oil painting on canvas that epitomizes the Neo-Baroque and Kitsch art movements. This symbolic painting presents a group of figures adorned in a manner suggestive of a historical or timeless narrative.
In the artwork, three figures are centrally positioned, draped in garments that evoke a primal and ancient aesthetic. The figures are adorned with heavy cloaks and helmets, suggesting a sense of readiness and protection. They appear to be engaged in a silent, solemn moment, their gazes directed outward, possibly towards an unknown threat or source of concern. The background is painted with a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of the Baroque style, providing a sense of depth and emphasizing the figures’ presence. The overall mood of the painting is contemplative and formidable, invoking themes of guardianship and the enduring human spirit. The use of a muted, earthy palette further reinforces the artwork’s somber and introspective tone.
