The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'. Album #1, the Second Folder 1978

Valerii Lamakh created "The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'" with ink on paper. Here, a series of symbols, each encased in a square, are arranged in a circular formation, immediately drawing our eyes to the void at the center. The stark contrast between the black symbols and the white background emphasizes their geometric forms. Lamakh uses a limited vocabulary of lines to construct each glyph, exploring variations within a rigid framework. The composition suggests a visual language, perhaps an attempt to codify or decipher meaning through abstract shapes. This recalls structuralist theories, where meaning is derived not from the inherent qualities of an object, but from its relationship to other objects within a system. The artwork challenges our understanding of language and representation. By presenting these symbols without a clear key, Lamakh destabilizes the conventional function of signs. This piece prompts us to consider how meaning is constructed through form and context. Is it a failed attempt to communicate or an invitation to project our own interpretations onto these enigmatic forms?