Winter garden 2 2019

Pavlo Makov made this etching called Winter Garden 2 in 2019, and it's a real garden of forking paths. Looking at this artwork I immediately think of maps, botanical illustrations, and maybe even circuit diagrams. See how Makov uses a delicate touch, the lines are so fine and precise, kind of like spiderwebs? Then you notice each plant is different, like the spiky one up top, or the round bushy ones in the middle – each has its own little pot, its own way of reaching for the light. It's like Makov is saying that even in winter, even when things look still, there's this whole network of life, all connected, all growing in their own way. This reminds me of some of the drawings of Sol LeWitt, how he was interested in mapping systems and ideas. But here, it's not just about the system, it’s about the beauty and complexity of each little plant, each unique life. Art is always about seeing the world in a new way, isn't it?