HANDLING 2016

Babak-Matveev's Handling, made in 2014, presents an intriguing composition dominated by vibrant color contrasts and carefully arranged forms. The juxtaposition of the subjects against the backdrop creates a striking visual tension, inviting us to consider the underlying structure of the scene. Note the placement of the figures in relation to the painted mural behind them. The bright colors and artifical imagery seem to represent a world in opposition with the one inhabited by the figures. The leopard skin on which the figures are standing introduces a disquieting element to the scene. The semiotic interplay between these elements challenges fixed meanings, destabilizing our understanding of context and identity. By exploring these visual components, Babak-Matveev's work engages with broader artistic and philosophical concerns. It encourages us to question established values and to embrace new ways of perceiving space, power, and representation. Through its formal qualities, Handling functions as a catalyst for ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation within our cultural and philosophical discourse.