Ship 

David Burliuk, a key figure in the Russian avant-garde, made this painting of a ship using oil paint. The impasto technique, with thick, visible brushstrokes, gives the work a tactile quality, almost like a low relief sculpture. Burliuk’s choice of oil paint, a traditional medium, contrasts with his radical artistic vision. The rough texture and vibrant colors evoke a sense of industrial energy. The shipyard scene, complete with smokestack and crane, suggests themes of labor, production, and the human impact on the landscape. The sign ‘Sail of Conviction’ hints at the artist’s belief in the power of artistic creation, even amidst the machinery of modern life. Burliuk challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the everyday world, elevating the imagery of industry to the realm of artistic expression. It's a reminder that materials, making, and context are crucial to fully understand the meaning of art.