Family's Portrait 2000

Viktor Lyapkalo created this painting titled ‘Family's Portrait’ using oil paints on canvas. Lyapkalo’s application of paint is thick and textured, creating a tactile surface that invites the viewer to consider the physical presence of the figures. Note the man’s expression, which could be interpreted in many ways: vulnerability, surprise, or even a touch of humor. The painting’s social context is also significant, as it reflects the intimate and unidealized portrayal of family life. The process of layering oil paint contributes to the artwork’s depth and complexity, as seen in the rendering of the woman’s sleeping face. The traditional process of painting contrasts with the contemporary subject matter, prompting us to consider the role of labor and class in the representation of everyday life. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of ‘Family's Portrait,’ we can appreciate Lyapkalo’s skill in capturing the essence of human experience, and the value of craft in fine art.