A Sketch of the Work 'In Memory of S. Parajanov' 1989

Curator: Standing before us is Vudon Baklytsky's 1989 work, "A Sketch of the Work 'In Memory of S. Parajanov'". Acrylic on canvas, it presents a striking landscape. Editor: The colours! I'm immediately drawn to the contrast between the cool blues and the vibrant oranges and yellows. It feels like autumn, with a hint of melancholy. Curator: Indeed. Considering Parajanov, the celebrated filmmaker known for his visually rich and symbolic works, Baklytsky's choice of imagery resonates. Notice the stark tree, its bare branches reaching upwards? What symbolism do you see? Editor: Well, bare trees are common symbols of loss, of winter... of memory perhaps, specifically evoking themes of barrenness. The vibrant ground cover makes for quite an optimistic contrast. There's a sense of persistence, of life continuing despite the starkness of the central figure. Is this a universal image for Baklytsky, or deeply tied to their specific cultural memory and its motifs? Curator: An intriguing point. Let's look at how the acrylic is applied. You see the thick, almost sculptural strokes in the sky and the ground? There's a tangible quality to the material; we aren't simply seeing an image, we're witnessing the artist's engagement with the medium itself. Perhaps he found resonance in using these earthy substances in memory. The materiality speaks of a slow and labourious rendering... a dedication? Editor: Yes, the texture creates depth. It feels almost tactile. Parajanov's films were known for their almost overwhelming visual richness, and there might be something about layering of colors and texture in this piece which pays homage to that style. There are shapes of what resemble pomegranate seeds at the base of the tree - Parajanov was known to often reference the fruit in his film to symbolize fertility. What do you make of the repeated lines in the 'water'? Curator: They bring the material concerns further, no? Each deliberate layering contributes to the sense of this being a handmade memorial. The work involved isn’t obscured; rather it forms part of the statement. I believe the act of creating it, layering, building the surface becomes integral to the remembering process. It's a kind of labor of love and sorrow rendered into visual form. Editor: It's been quite a journey into Baklytsky's landscape. Exploring its layered meanings makes it all the richer. Curator: Indeed, contemplating both material execution and potential symbolism adds significantly to the impact and value of the work.