Untitled 

Editor: This is an Untitled oil painting by Tiberiy Szilvashi. There's such depth in this seemingly monochrome work, a very imposing almost gothic feel, particularly with the texture of the central rectangle contrasting with the very flat rectangles on either side. How do you interpret this work, considering its potential social or political undertones? Curator: Interesting take. What stands out for me is how the framing – the rectangles to the side – influence our perception. It directs your gaze into that heavily worked, almost tortured-looking central space, right? It reminds me of the period in Ukraine in the late 20th century in which the role of artists were re-evaluated during periods of instability, they could speak or stay silent on political issues.. Does it give you any clues considering it's part of a wider abstract expressionism movement? Editor: Absolutely. That historical context is illuminating. Thinking about abstract expressionism, this piece feels like a rejection of any obligation to illustrate a specific socio-political narrative and instead aims at an atmosphere of it. That central panel then is a field of emotional expression but maybe constrained by those margins that seem almost censoring with how orderly they are. Curator: Precisely! The tension between expressive freedom and structural constraint is central, both in painting and in life at the time. One might consider that that visual restraint is another kind of expressive device, speaking loudly via visual austerity. The flatness, after all, emphasizes its…objecthood. It reminds us of painting's institutional life. Do you feel this silence could have served a powerful political message for those who were attuned to understand? Editor: Yes, now I see it! What appeared as a purely aesthetic choice now speaks volumes about cultural context. This really highlights how the sociopolitical conditions influenced the evolution of abstraction. Thanks so much. Curator: A fruitful discussion indeed, bringing to light the silent language art can adopt amidst social discourse!