Illustration for the collection of short stories by Yevhen Gutsal "In the stork village" 1969

This illustration by Hryhorii Havrylenko is for Yevhen Gutsal's collection of short stories, "In the Stork Village". Dominated by a dense crosshatch of lines, the image creates a textured field that both defines and nearly obscures the central figure of a small bird. The stark contrast between the white chick and the dark background draws immediate attention, evoking a sense of fragility against an almost oppressive environment. Consider how the repetitive, grid-like structure of the background destabilizes the traditional figure-ground relationship. The graphic strategy almost camouflages the chick. This interplay could reflect the narratives within Gutsal's stories, possibly engaging with themes of displacement or the hidden aspects of rural life. The use of such a structured pattern invites us to explore how the artwork challenges fixed meanings, prompting a deeper engagement with its visual and thematic elements.