My Friends

Backman establishes art’s value beyond its physical components from the opening scene. Louisa’s protest of the auction emphasizes the idea that art belongs to everyone, not just the affluent, and that creativity that brings comfort and connection should not be monetized. My Friends argues that art uses a language that transcends words, operating in the realm of emotion and shared human experiences, communicating directly to the soul; as Louisa reflects, “There is art that can be so beautiful that it makes a teenager too big for her body” (7). This wordless dialogue between the artist and the audience exemplifies Backman’s exploration of how creative expression both arises from and sustains meaningful relationships, serving as a thread that binds characters across cultures and generations. 

When Louisa encounters Kimkim’s painting, it connects her to a conversation that began 25 years ago, welcoming her into a larger circle of existence. Through Louisa and Kimkim’s experiences, the novel posits that art arises from the human need to reconcile pain and beauty simultaneously. Kimkim’s art reflects not only his vision of the world but also the love and suffering he experienced with his chosen family. Louisa clings to a postcard bearing the image of