Emily Sundblad, ‘The Adolescent Ocean’ at Bortolami Gallery

If anything, the ocean can be thought of as old, though Emily Sundblad’s poetically titled solo show at Bortolami Gallery, ‘The Adolescent Ocean,’ offers a playful, alternative take.  Sundblad’s vividly colored compositions assemble flowers, animals, and Munch-like lovers to suggest moods informed by many types of input – from the natural world to art history.  In this painting, she even includes the word ‘Evocation’ at bottom right, though colorful flowers, waving palms, roiling waves and a flaming ship in the distance convey much with images alone. (On view in Tribeca through Aug 8th).

Emily Sundblad, The Adolescent Ocean, oil and pastel on linen mounted on panel, 28 x 48 inches, 2025.

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