Musical Series. 8th Symphony by Shostakovich 1970

Yuri Zlotnikov created this abstract painting, Musical Series. 8th Symphony by Shostakovich, using gouache on paper. Gouache, unlike traditional oil paints, dries to a matte finish, allowing for bold, flat areas of color that almost vibrate on the page. Zlotnikov built up this composition through layering of color. Notice how the broad strokes of the brush are visible, giving a sense of the artist's hand and immediacy of expression. This directness is a key aspect of Zlotnikov's work, where the material qualities of the paint and paper are brought to the fore. The contrast between the fluid application of the paint and the structural forms hints at the influence of modernist aesthetics. The application of gouache in this work is far from traditional, but instead a modern investigation of color and form, showing how Zlotnikov challenged traditional distinctions between fine art and the everyday. The simplicity and directness of this work exemplifies the importance of understanding materials, making and context for appreciating the full meaning of an artwork.