Four Abstract Compositions (Sketches) 1965

Hryhorii Havrylenko made these four abstract compositions, or sketches, with ink on paper. The hatch marks, so simple, are a dance in repetition, and that repetition gives the compositions a rhythm that's both calm and, strangely, energetic. Look at the bottom left square, with the four bands of varying thickness, and that one swollen band in the middle. It's a small gesture, but it completely changes the feeling of the whole page. The texture is created with these fine, controlled lines. They’re not rushed, not angry, just methodical, but with a playful sensibility. This all reminds me of Agnes Martin’s work, but with a touch more… I don’t know, folkiness, maybe? It shows us how much can be said with very little, and how art is really about seeing the world in your own way, and then sharing that vision.