Crimean Landscape 1957

Victor Puzyrkov created this landscape of Crimea using oil paints, a common material for artists during the Soviet era. The thickness of the paint is really key here, as it influences the appearance of the artwork. You can see clear traces of the artist's hand and the direction in which he loaded and pulled the paint, stroke after stroke. Puzyrkov used brushes to apply thick layers of oil paint onto the canvas. The texture is built up with each stroke, creating a tactile and visually engaging surface. Puzyrkov was part of a generation that painted en plein air, meaning ‘in the open air’ in French. The physical act of painting outdoors, directly from life, was an approach that required a significant investment of time and labor. Artists would often transport their easels and materials to remote locations to capture the nuances of light and color. When looking at this work, it’s important to remember that the making of it contributes to its meaning. The artist's choices of materials, techniques, and subject matter reflect broader cultural values and artistic traditions, challenging any strict separation between art and craft.