Psalm 29th 2016

Dmytro Kavsan created this line drawing, titled "Psalm 29th," in 2007. Kavsan, a Ukrainian artist born in 1964, subtly explores themes of identity and cultural heritage through the lens of his personal experience. At first glance, we see what appears to be a natural scene. Look closer, and the piece evokes a sense of tension. The stark black lines contrast with the white of the page, creating a sense of unease, while also inviting us to question the relationship between nature and the human condition. Kavsan doesn't necessarily stick to traditional, romanticized representations of the natural world; instead, he offers a more complex narrative. "Psalm 29th" perhaps reflects the artist's own feelings towards his homeland, Ukraine. The psalm reference may allude to the struggle and the need for resilience of the Ukrainian people, which is rendered in the stark contrast and anxious linework. It's a deeply personal work.