Female image 1959

This ink drawing of a woman's face was created by Hryhorii Havrylenko. Notice the woman's gaze, direct and unwavering, a common motif that transcends centuries. Consider the classical sculptures of ancient Greece, where the eyes, though now vacant, once held a similar compelling intensity, designed to captivate and perhaps even intimidate the viewer. Yet, while the ancient Greeks sought to embody ideals of beauty and power, here we find something more human. The subtle asymmetry of her features and the raw, almost hurried lines, evoke a sense of vulnerability. This juxtaposition reminds us how symbols evolve, reflecting the changing values and psychological landscapes of different eras. The face, a timeless battleground of conscious expression and subconscious drives.