Monocenter. The Fourth 'Book of Schemes'.Album No. 1, the First Folder 1978

Valerii Lamakh made this artwork, 'Monocenter', part of his 'Book of Schemes'. Lamakh lived in Soviet Ukraine, where artistic expression often navigated the boundaries of state-sanctioned norms. His creation of abstract geometric forms can be seen as a subtle act of rebellion, a quiet deviation from the expected socialist realism. This simple yet profound composition invites us to consider the interplay between the individual and the collective, a tension deeply felt by those living under centralized regimes. The image’s stark lines and deliberate form might be seen as an assertion of order, yet the very act of creating such an enigmatic piece suggests a deeper questioning of established systems. As you reflect on this image, consider how abstract forms can carry the weight of cultural and political commentary. How does it feel to encounter such a distilled expression of resistance and contemplation?