Makhnovists 1928

This painting, *Makhnovists* by Victor Palmov, might have been made with oil on canvas, though it’s hard to tell for sure. The way Palmov fearlessly outlines figures in white really sings to me, like finding a hidden drawing within the painting. The main figure is so front-and-center it’s almost confrontational; look at the confidence in the lines, those bold strokes that define the uniform and hat. The palette of browns and greens is earthy but those stark white lines really make it pop. The texture looks smooth, not much impasto. It feels like he’s telling a story, maybe even a little bit raw. The piece has a kind of outsider quality, reminiscent of Henri Rousseau. Like in Rousseau, there's a real freedom in how Palmov renders the scene, embracing a slightly naive style. It’s this unique vision that makes the painting so memorable.