Aydan 1967

Tahir Salahov made this painting, Aydan, with what looks like thin layers of oil paint, a process where each stroke and decision builds on the last. I love how the painting explores a limited palette of white and blue, punctuated by small accents of red and black. The surface is smooth, almost like a memory retold, softened over time. Notice the way the white of Aydan’s coat and the horse bleeds into the pale blue background, creating this hazy, dreamlike effect. The brushstrokes are visible but gentle, giving a sense of form without being overly descriptive. The small dabs of red on the horse's bridle and the child’s hand add these perfect little jolts of energy that keep the eye moving. There’s something about this painting that reminds me of Alex Katz, in how Salahov captures a sense of stillness and quiet intensity, but with a tenderness that’s all his own. It's not just a painting of a child on a toy horse, it's about childhood, memory, and the simple beauty of everyday moments.