On the river 1924

Mikuláš Galanda made this print, "On The River," with an unknown medium. It’s such a simple image, really, but it’s also so loaded, you know? The high contrast of the black and white gives a graphic feel to the composition, like a poster or an illustration. But the real action’s in the texture, isn’t it? Look at the way the artist stippled the sky and the water. These tiny dots give the piece a sense of movement, like the air’s shimmering and the river’s flowing. It’s such a basic mark, but it’s also so expressive, creating depth and atmosphere. The figures themselves are so blocky and simplified, almost like symbols. They're nestled together in the boat, it becomes less about them and more about the shared experience, a moment of peace and connection. Galanda’s work reminds me a little of early Kandinsky, that same interest in abstraction and spiritual expression. But Galanda brings his own unique vision to the table. He shows us that even the simplest forms can be deeply meaningful, if you pay attention to the process.