Circle of Signs. The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'. Album #1, the First Folder 1 1978

Here we see Valerii Lamakh's "Circle of Signs," from his 'Book of Schemes,' its date unknown. This album combines gouache and pencil on paper to create a composition dominated by circular forms and stark contrasts. The eye is immediately drawn to the central motif: a yin-yang like figure that is contained within a ring of eight distinct symbols, each set within its own circular frame. The rigorous symmetry and geometric precision suggest a deep engagement with structuralist principles, where meaning is derived from the relationships between constituent parts. The black and white palette reinforces this sense of binary opposition, inviting us to consider how these contrasting elements interact and inform one another. The simple forms—circles, crosses, and stylized floral shapes—function almost as linguistic units. Ultimately, "Circle of Signs" presents us with a visual language that resists easy interpretation, challenging the viewer to decode its complex interplay of form and symbol. This piece reminds us that art is not simply about aesthetics but also about the ongoing process of meaning-making and interpretation.