Artist Sirje Runge, who received a lifetime achievement award from the Cultural Capital for her impact on the field of abstract painting, shared her insights on the risks associated with being an artist in the show "Cultural Capital Annual Awards." Runge emphasized that her greatest risk was deciding to pursue a career in art, highlighting the inherent uncertainties that come with the profession. She stated, 'The greatest risk has been that I became an artist,' pointing to the unpredictable paths that artists navigate, often without even realizing it at first.

In her reflections, Runge focused on the challenges faced by young aspiring artists, stating that they are largely unaware of the daunting aspects of a career in creativity. She remarked, 'Young people who go to study or want to engage in creative fields do not know how terrible it is.' This statement resonates with many in the creative community, as it acknowledges the hardships often overshadowed by the allure of artistic expression.

Runge's work, which centers on the themes of light and space, aims to expand the language of abstract art, demonstrating her innovative approach to painting. Her latest significant work, "Great Love," was described as a risk in itself, as it explores themes of nature and decay, reflecting the vulnerability of the artist's journey. This award and her insights serve to encourage both appreciation and understanding of the artistic vocation's complexities, which are often left unspoken in discussions about art.