First Snow 1986

This painting, First Snow, was made by Ivan Marchuk using oil on canvas. What's remarkable here is the technique. Look closely, and you'll notice that the entire surface is comprised of countless tiny strokes of paint. The effect is almost like intricate filigree, and transforms a simple winter scene into something shimmering and alive. It's a time-intensive process, demanding incredible patience and control. Marchuk developed this signature style, which he calls "pliontanism," derived from a Ukrainian word meaning "to weave" or "to braid." The painting process mirrors the creation of textiles, where individual threads combine to form a larger fabric. This method of painting elevates the ordinary, transforming it into a surface of almost unbelievable complexity. By engaging with the tempo of craft, Marchuk compels us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the labor, the landscape, and the cultural traditions embedded in the work. It demonstrates how process and material can transcend the canvas, challenging our perceptions of what painting can be.