hiljemastele

Hiljemastele is a Finnish language-specific art form that originated in the 17th century. The term "hiljemastele" literally translates to "afterimage painting," which refers to the visual effect achieved by layering paints of high luminosity, such as white or light-colored paint, over a dark background.

The technique relies on the viewer's visual perception of the contrasting colors, which creates the illusion of vibrant, glowing colors when viewed from a certain distance. The appearance of a color is determined not by its actual hue but by the amount of light it absorbs or reflects during the painting process.

Hiljemastele is often associated with the Finnish Pseudo-Baroque, a style of art and architecture that emerged during the Golden Age of Finnish arts in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The style reflected the growth of the country's economy and culture, as well as its cultural ties to their eastern neighbors, including Sweden.

Characteristics of hiljemastele include the use of very thin layers of paint, often on a dark surface, and a deliberate avoidance of traditional painting techniques. While it is not an organic response to the material properties of paints, it results in some striking optical effects. The art form's expressive potential and the discovery of new visual effects have also influenced contemporary art practices.

Despite its fascinating effects, hiljemastele has been somewhat overlooked by art historians and preservationists. It remains an intriguing historical phenomenon, connected to a delicate interplay of artistic and environmental conditions during the Golden Age of Finnish arts.