In a slightly exhibitionist approach, bereft of any scruples, NADOLLE shares her tiny histories. Each picture is based on a real event from her life. Unlike words, pictures can tell such tales in a brutally naturalist way, weaving in not only humorous accents, but also highly revealing and bitter ones, pushing the curtain back on her own vices and imperfections. This ambivalent mood is captured in the formal layer as well – a dusky, often melancholic palette that is nonetheless full of life, determines her style.

Besides the fact that her painting is rooted in her personal, individual experiences, I find myself identifying with Marta from the paintings. In these works, she brings in a whole gamma of experiences that a whole generation of small-town, thirty-something transplants have lived through, having drifted into the capital to grasp on to their big-city dreams. And as we know, it’s best to take care of our dreams and desires because it’s time to face up to reality, they often get thoroughly checked. Then there is the complicated nature of entering adulthood, most soberly, when the pressure of finding career stability, a proper relationship, a family, or children – all of which ought to be coming over the horizon at any moment. But as it turns out, such things are fickle and while it may seem like it’s on the horizon for everyone else – that hasn’t yet been the case for you.