Drawing hands 1913

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin’s ‘Drawing Hands,’ captures the artist’s skillful handling of charcoal on paper. Here, the focus isn’t so much on the subject, but on the very act of drawing. The blurred smudges and clearly visible strokes of charcoal are a testament to the labor and skill that goes into creating art. Notice how the varying pressure and angles of the charcoal create a full sense of depth and dimension to the hand. The artist's hand is both the subject and the tool, blurring the line between the artist and the artwork. This piece serves as a reminder of the artist's physical engagement with the materials, making visible the amount of work involved in the production process. By emphasizing the act of drawing itself, Petrov-Vodkin elevates the status of craft and making, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.