Policenter. The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'. Album No. 1, the First Folder 1978

Valerii Lamakh made ‘Policenter’ with ink on paper, it’s one of a series of works known as the ‘Book of Schemes’. What strikes me first is the obsessive quality, the repetitive nature of the grid and the plus signs within it. It's all set within a simple circle, like a petri dish containing an experiment. Look closely, and you can see the hand of the artist in each individual mark. None of these shapes are perfect, they wobble slightly, giving the piece a human feel. The ink is translucent, allowing the texture of the paper to show through. This adds depth to the work, preventing it from feeling flat or mechanical. The texture is important because it gives character and warmth to a geometrical composition. The individual gestures make this piece reminiscent of the work of Agnes Martin, who also used grids and repetition to create meditative and deeply personal art. Ultimately, ‘Policenter’ is a testament to the power of simple forms and the beauty of imperfection, inviting us to find meaning in the most unassuming of patterns.