Spiral 2017

Curator: Welcome. We’re looking at “Spiral,” a charcoal drawing by Milos Pavlovic, created in 2017. Pavlovic's work often explores themes of human vulnerability within the confines of contemporary social structures. Editor: My first impression is one of unease. The stark monochrome, the obscured face, and the tense pose all contribute to a feeling of intense, almost claustrophobic, inwardness. Look at the way the lines form a spiral on the torso, pulling us into the figure’s center. Curator: Indeed, that spiral is critical. It visually represents the figure's interiority, perhaps symbolizing anxiety, introspection, or even the weight of societal expectations. Modernism frequently engages with representing such subjective experiences. It reflects on how modern life generates pressures for people. Editor: Precisely. The obscured face, lacking discernible features, becomes almost universal, suggesting anyone can experience such feelings. Technically, look how Pavlovic utilizes cross-hatching to build tonal depth, creating a dramatic contrast that heightens the emotional impact. The drawing style lends to an unfinished feeling; yet the body is relatively well defined to demonstrate a sense of realism. Curator: I agree; the figure seems representative of people. In looking at the political turmoil around 2017, do you see how that could apply to that social climate and reflect how it creates tension among those struggling for a solid identity? Editor: Without a doubt. In this charcoal drawing, there's an intriguing interplay between absence and presence. While the figure has its core components of arms, legs and chest, the vagueness of the head amplifies the powerlessness of his body, as though his actions have already been decided. This emphasizes our discomfort, pushing beyond the limitations of the traditional portrait. Curator: Considering modernism's inclination toward abstraction and psychological depth, this drawing offers a visual commentary on the psychological impact of living through uncertain times. It almost forces the viewer to reflect upon how external realities can manifest as internal pressure. Editor: In short, "Spiral" becomes a potent visual representation of existential stress—or whatever might ail society. This piece showcases Pavlovic's unique visual vocabulary. Curator: A vocabulary reflecting, and reflecting upon, the shared experience of contemporary living.