Abracadabra, page 1 2020

Pavlo Makov made "Abracadabra, page 1," a black and white print that presents a meticulously arranged series of architectural and symbolic forms. Makov was born in 1958, and his life and work have been deeply shaped by the political landscape of Ukraine, particularly its Soviet past and its post-Soviet present. The use of architectural motifs can be seen as reflecting the artist's concern with themes of urban space and identity. Makov's compositions often evoke a sense of fragmented memory and historical layering. The repetition of images in "Abracadabra, page 1" can be interpreted as a commentary on the standardization and control imposed by Soviet ideology, where individuality was often suppressed in favor of collective identity. Consider how the graphic elements and symbols contribute to an atmosphere of coded meaning. Makov has said that, "every city has its own spirit, its own smell, its own sound." With this in mind, reflect on the artwork’s ability to evoke a sense of place and memory that resonates with broader questions of cultural identity and historical consciousness.