Eurasia 2015

Andrey Remnev painted this intriguing, decorative piece, Eurasia, using traditional oil on canvas. The key to this painting lies in its surface. Look closely, and you'll see that the artist has built up layers of paint to create an almost mosaic-like effect. The gold leaf patterns are painstakingly rendered, giving the impression of a rich, brocaded textile, with each individual leaf precisely placed, reflecting light and creating a shimmering, tactile quality. The dresses’ ornate design and the sitters’ stylized features evoke a sense of opulence and artifice. The laborious process involved in creating such detail invites reflection on the time and skill involved, and reminds us that this kind of meticulous handwork is at odds with our contemporary mass-produced, fast-consumption culture. By emphasizing the artistry of the material, Remnev asks us to reconsider the value we place on handmade objects in an increasingly industrialized world, challenging the traditional hierarchy of fine art and craft.