Neighbourhood #1 2018

Pavlo Makov's "Neighbourhood #1" presents us with an urban landscape rendered in monochrome print, a complex interplay of buildings, and a smoking chimney dominating the composition. The buildings, depicted as modular units, are interconnected by lines, evoking a sense of an imposed network. The chimney, a recurring motif, serves as a potent symbol of industry and perhaps the oppressive structures of modernity. Its smoke, reaching skyward, connects to similar images across time – from the industrial revolution landscapes to the Tower of Babel, symbolizing human ambition and its potential downfall. Observe the presence of the defecating dog, a symbol often used to denote vulgarity. Its inclusion introduces a critical perspective on the urban ideal. Such symbols resonate deeply, tapping into collective anxieties about urban life and our place within these concrete landscapes. These recurring motifs engage us on a visceral level, inviting us to reflect on the cycles of history and the evolution of our shared cultural memory.