The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'. Album #2, the First Folder 1978

Valerii Lamakh made this small drawing, 'The Fourth "Book of Schemes"', with colored pencils at an unknown date. The lines create this radiating, sun-like pattern, it's so vibrant and energetic, and you can see the hand of the artist in each individual mark. What's interesting about the piece is its emphasis on the material quality of color. Lamakh's use of colored pencils gives the work a unique texture. Some lines are darker, some are lighter, some perfectly fill their given space, while others are more tentative. Look at how the pink lines seem to pop against the cooler blues and greens. There's a real sense of the artist's touch, the pressure of the pencil on the paper, the slight variations in color and intensity. It all contributes to the overall sense of energy and movement in the piece. The work is reminiscent of Agnes Martin's geometric abstractions, but with a more playful, less austere sensibility. Ultimately, it invites us to appreciate the beauty of simple forms and the power of color to evoke emotion.