Paul Allik 1946–2003 Still Life. 1999

Bottom left: Paul Allik 99

Paul Allik's "Still Life" from the late 90s sums up the decade well from his point of view. In an era when new directions and forms were eagerly sought, Allik focused on his jovial and improvisational approach, painting freely and easily. His principles were clear and he was masterful in cultivating them. He himself said this in an interview in the 90s: "I quite believe Goethe's concept of art and beauty. Beauty in the broadest sense is a value that carries so much information – philosophical and attitudinal –that in the case of one work of art, it would not be worth posing so much with your attitudes. I also believe in the phenomenon of color – this is where my art comes from. If the color is in place, the painting lives. /…/ Naturally, I have been influenced by artists who have relied on primitive painting, color. My roots are in French art through Alfred Kongo and Ado Vabbe. I'm talking about the roots, nothing limits the playing field. /…/ My art must be vivid, it must not be trite. A bright color is a free color – it's not restrained, mussed. Through bright and clean color, I feel a sense of liberation. Liberation is very important to me and I do it through painting. This should also liberate the viewer who understands my works. An explosion of color is an explosion of liberation.”