Neighbourhood #9 2018

Pavlo Makov made Neighbourhood #9, an etching, at an unknown date with an intricate, almost architectural approach, the lines creating a world of tiny details. The black and white etching presents a series of buildings stacked on top of each other, connected by a stark, linear framework. At the bottom, a dog seems to relieve itself, contrasting the ordered arrangement of buildings with a moment of natural, earthy activity. The materiality of the etching emphasizes the surface. You can almost feel the incised lines, the pressure of the plate on the paper. The detail around the individual houses and chimneys really stands out, making me think about the labour involved, but also the skill. The precision and detail bring Piranesi to mind, but with a contemporary twist. Makov seems to engage with the theme of urban planning, while playfully suggesting the more chaotic elements of daily life. It’s like a diagram, but one that acknowledges the messy, unpredictable realities of life, opening up questions rather than settling on any answers.