Fontanka 1922

Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva made this drawing, Fontanka, with ink on paper, and what strikes me is how she treats the linear mark not as a boundary, but as a kind of vibration. Look closely, and you'll see the density of lines vary, creating areas of light and shadow. The texture of the buildings and the water is conjured through these tiny, energetic strokes, which gives the whole scene a feeling of being alive. It's like she's trying to capture not just the appearance of the place, but also the feeling of it, the air moving around it. It reminds me a little of Piranesi's architectural etchings, though perhaps a bit softer, more intimate. Both artists share this attention to the built environment, but Ostroumova-Lebedeva brings a personal, almost tender touch. There's a love for the subject, a real connection to the place, and that’s what makes it sing.