Image 1960

This image was made by Vilen Barsky, who died in 2012, likely using watercolor or gouache on paper. Barsky engaged with the traditional art materials and processes, but the directness of the application suggests that he may have been more concerned with capturing the immediacy of the figure, rather than its likeness. The material choices greatly influence its appearance, contributing to its bold form, saturated color, and dynamic texture. These visual elements were enhanced by techniques, tools, and traditions of fine art, and the expressive qualities of the figure. But it's also important to look at the context of Barsky’s work. He painted this after surviving the Holocaust, in which he lost his entire family. The intensity of the process, the labor, and the final image are a profound testament to his survival. By considering the context, materials, and making, we can understand the image in its full meaning.