Games with characters 1991

Curator: “Games with Characters,” painted in 1991 by Vasiliy Ryabchenko, using acrylics. The figures seem almost… ghostly. The application of the paint itself is so visible. What do you make of this painting? Editor: Well, initially, the raw quality of the brushstrokes strikes me, it seems very visceral, not quite chaotic, but perhaps expressive? How would you describe this piece from a materialist perspective? Curator: Excellent observation. Focusing on the "how" instead of just the "what," Ryabchenko's work embodies the Neo-Expressionist movement through a lens that critically examines the labor and conditions of artistic creation. Consider the underpainting - why leave the layers exposed? It disrupts any seamless, illusionistic surface. Think about the artist's studio in the early 90's. What kind of acrylic paints would have been available? Did Ryabchenko use affordable paints available to a wider consumer base, thus challenging the traditional distinction between fine art and common craft? Editor: So, it’s less about perfect representation and more about highlighting the artistic process. This makes me think of mass production, and questioning how accessible the tools to create art truly were. Curator: Precisely! It asks us to think about the accessibility of materials, the artist's labor, and how these influence the final product. Also notice that by using easily manipulated materials to build up this figurative scene it opens a door to re-evaluate high art vs. craft-work in his historical context. It also leads us to considering this piece is made to be observed beyond the scope of 'what do you see?', inviting us to ponder on a production that's raw, tangible, challenging boundaries. How does it feel looking at the unblended brushstrokes with that concept in mind? Editor: It does feel less precious. More like an active engagement with making, with the real work involved, even. I hadn't considered all that. Curator: Thinking about art through the lens of materials and labor provides us with such tangible insights. It changes how we value and interpret a piece. Editor: Definitely gives me a whole new appreciation for the painting's meaning. Thanks for shedding light on that.