Exlibris Stanislawa D. 1976

Oleksandr Aksinin made this bookplate, “Exlibris Stanislawa D.” using etching; a process of mark making which is both technical and unpredictable. I think that’s what makes it so exciting. The web of fine lines has a dreamy quality. Notice how the colour is consistent, but the tone varies across the print. It’s almost as though Aksinin is trying to capture not just the look, but also the feel, of this room. There's a softness, even in the most geometric patterns, that keeps it from feeling cold or sterile. My eye is drawn to the floor, those vertical lines that create a sense of depth. They almost seem to vibrate, like a trick of the light. For me, this print bears some comparison to the work of graphic artist M.C. Escher. Both artists use pattern and linear perspective to warp and question our perception of space. I wonder, is it a faithful representation, or a memory, or a fabrication? Ultimately, art is never a fixed thing, but rather a conversation that continues long after the artist is gone.