Verticals II 1952

Karlo Zvirynsky made "Verticals II," with what looks like oil on board, and it's all about the process of building up these textured surfaces. I love how the paint is laid on thick, you can almost feel the ridges. The colors are so earthy, browns and grays, that create a sense of depth. Look at how each vertical mark has its own character, some are bold, others are soft and shimmering. It’s like he’s building a world, one stroke at a time, a world that's both solid and mysterious. This piece reminds me a little of Anselm Kiefer, especially in how he uses materials to create a sense of history and weight. I think Zvirynsky invites us to embrace ambiguity, to see the beauty in imperfection and the stories that emerge when we let the materials speak.