Salostrov House, Karelia 1969

Petros Malayan made this gouache painting of a Karelian house in 1969. You can almost feel the brisk air in the rapid strokes and somber palette! Imagine him standing there, battling the elements, squinting to capture the scene. The paint is laid on in thin washes, one on top of another, with an almost hasty energy. I love how the yellow house pops against the stormy sky. See how Malayan outlined the planks with darker strokes, giving the building depth and texture? He’s not being overly precious; there is a roughness that feels authentic, as if he’s trying to get the image down as fast as possible. It reminds me of Fairfield Porter, who also found ways to capture domestic life with immediacy. Those figures in the foreground and scattered objects are particularly interesting. They suggest a narrative, maybe a fisherman and his wife. Malayan's approach feels both intimate and observational. It’s like he’s inviting us to witness a moment in time, while also reminding us of the ever-changing landscape of life and art.