Untitled 1967

Vilen Barsky made this untitled painting with oil on canvas. The material is applied with extraordinary vigor. You can see how much physical effort went into moving the viscous oil paint across the surface. The material and the act of applying it become the subject of the artwork. The way Barsky applied this material shows the importance of process. The heavy impasto creates a pronounced surface texture where the peaks and valleys of the paint reflect light, creating depth. Barsky's process with the painting is a testament to the artist's physical engagement with his materials. Ultimately, the importance of materials, making, and context become clear in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.