Self-portrait 1950

Kateryna Bilokur made this self-portrait in pencil. It’s all about the softness of the graphite, and how it can create this gentle, almost dreamlike image. Look at the way she's built up the tones, layer upon layer, like she’s slowly revealing herself to us. It’s not about sharp lines or bold contrasts, but this gradual accumulation of marks that gives the portrait its depth. There's something so tender about the way she renders her own face and clothing, paying close attention to the subtle shadows and textures. See the way she's captured the folds in her headscarf, how each crease and wrinkle tells a story of time and experience? Bilokur’s work, with its attention to detail and love for the natural world, reminds me a bit of Frida Kahlo. Both artists transformed their personal experiences into something universal, turning pain and resilience into something beautiful. And like all great art, this portrait invites us to bring our own stories and interpretations to the table, to find our own connection to the artist and the image.