Diver 1993

Vasiliy Ryabchenko made this drawing, Diver, which measures 72 x 49 cm, using what looks like pen and ink. The density of mark-making is amazing; like a swarm of bees each individual mark seems random, but as a group they create an interesting pattern. I love the contrast between the white space of the page and the frenetic activity of the lines. In places, the lines are so dense they become solid, giving a sense of depth and weight, while in other areas, they are light and airy, like smoke. The way Ryabchenko uses line to create form is so inventive, like he's inventing the world as he goes. I am drawn to the small head shape in the center. The head isn’t solid but made of many layers, it’s like he’s captured the essence of a memory or a dream. Ryabchenko reminds me of the work of Max Ernst or even Odilon Redon, in that he embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations.