Black Sea Fleet 1947

Victor Puzyrkov created Black Sea Fleet using oil paint, a medium prized for its ability to capture light and texture. The painting shows a naval landing, the raw, gestural brushstrokes mirroring the chaotic energy of the scene. Notice how the thick application of paint on the waves gives them a tangible sense of weight and force. The figures are rendered with a looser, more expressive touch, the artist prioritizing emotional impact over precise detail. Puzyrkov’s choice of oil paint aligns with the heroic subject matter, referencing a tradition of history painting. But it also invites us to consider the physical labor involved in both warfare and art-making. The artist's energetic handling of the material speaks to the intense effort and physicality represented. Ultimately, Black Sea Fleet reminds us that art is not just about what is depicted, but also about how it is made, and how these processes connect to wider social issues.