Four Abstract Compositions (Sketches) 1975

Editor: So, here we have Hryhorii Havrylenko's "Four Abstract Compositions (Sketches)," made in 1975. It’s ink on paper, simple materials, but there’s something…almost musical about the way these circles are arranged. Like different notes in a composition. What do you hear when you look at this work? Curator: That's lovely, actually. I do see them as having this feeling. I almost want to call it celestial music. Do you find that each of the four panels feels distinct, yet connected to the others, or is that just me hearing my own tune here? I wonder what Havrylenko was contemplating at the time. Each framed square almost captures a moment, an iteration in some thought. Editor: Absolutely. The top left is dense and almost chaotic, compared to the increasing calm as you move right and down. Maybe it represents distilling an idea down to its essence? Or maybe just playful arrangements for the heck of it. Curator: Both ring true to me, actually! I think that they probably relate to the artist’s playful experimentation. Sometimes the beauty resides in that original spark of spontaneity. Don’t you think the restriction to geometric forms actually sets the artist free to be expressive with arrangement and details? It focuses you as a viewer on something more. Editor: That makes perfect sense! Focusing on those basic elements really highlights the subtle variations and movement between them. It goes from what appears simple on the surface to a sort of dynamic harmony that can really engage you! Thanks for opening my eyes to seeing this as music of form and geometry. Curator: My pleasure entirely! You’ve given me something fresh to listen to as well. Maybe we can work this out, and compose some more symphonies?