Wide, cold space and what looks like loneliness — and yet, out of the snow, fragile purple crocuses have pushed their way up. No one gave them permission. They didn't ask.

Delicate as they seem, they are surprisingly hardy, and they are the first to meet the sun. Artis painted them as a story about daring: sometimes a person, too, has to gather courage, take the first step and climb out of the big, dark cold — to reach open space, sunlight, and be seen.

No one said it's not allowed.