The Order is given 2012

Alexander Roitburd's painting "The Order is given" presents a composition of figures bound in rope, set against a textured backdrop of earth and water. The figures' constraints and the dynamic interaction with a bird command our attention. The artist employs a tactile impasto technique, building up layers of paint to create a rough, almost sculptural surface. This materiality emphasizes the physical tension within the scene. A semiotic reading reveals a challenge to conventional power dynamics. The ropes, usually symbols of control, here seem to highlight vulnerability. The bird plucking at the man’s extended tongue introduces a provocative twist, destabilizing traditional notions of dominance and submission. Roitburd prompts a reconsideration of fixed meanings and values. By juxtaposing these elements, the painting transcends simple representation, inviting ongoing interpretation. The artist seems to suggest a commentary on societal norms, explored through the visceral language of paint and form.