Sasha 2005

Andrey Remnev made Sasha from oil paint, at an unknown date. The paint has been applied in many thin layers, a time-consuming process of applying glazes to achieve luminous color and smooth surfaces. Remnev’s painting evokes the world of craft through his attention to clothing and textiles, whose patterns are meticulously rendered. The girl and her doll are dressed in folk-like attire. Every aspect of the clothing has been lovingly made by hand, with the doll’s green dress echoing the peacock pattern behind the young girl. The texture and ornamentation remind us of the skill involved in textile production and needlework. The attention to detail and repetition in these patterns suggests the amount of labor involved in making them. By focusing our attention on the materials and making of everyday life, Remnev’s work prompts us to reflect on the value of craft, and to look beyond established hierarchies of taste.