Grey mask 2022

Sergey Piskunov's "Grey mask" is a striking image, constructed with the careful application of oil paint. Look closely, and you can see how the paint on the mask has been built up in layers, creating a cracked, almost geological texture, that reveals a glimpse of gold underneath. It's as though the face is shedding a skin, exposing something precious beneath. The painting technique is meticulous, but it doesn't feel rigid. There is a push-and-pull dynamic that gives the piece a sense of depth and movement. The more you look at this painting, the more questions arise. Is it about hiding or revealing, vulnerability or strength? Like all great art, it embraces ambiguity and invites us to bring our own experiences and interpretations to the table. It reminds me of the work of Jenny Saville and her unflinching gaze. We see a similar interest in the human form, and the ways in which paint can be used to explore themes of identity, beauty, and decay.