Untitled 1961

Vilen Barsky made this untitled artwork using what looks like charcoal or ink. I love how immediate the mark-making is. It feels like the artist was really in the moment, letting the process guide the image. Looking at the figure, you can see how the texture and surface play a big role. The charcoal isn't blended smoothly; instead, you get these layers of rough, scratchy lines that give the piece a raw, almost vulnerable feel. Take a look at the way the light catches on the figure's upper torso. The white scumbling reveals the form, but then everything dissolves into shadow. It makes you think about how we perceive bodies, how much is visible, and how much is hidden. This reminds me of some of Guston’s later dark drawings, where the figures are built up from simple, expressive marks. It’s about embracing the ambiguity, inviting viewers to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the table.