The First Day of the Year 

Editor: This is "The First Day of the Year" by Konstantin Gorbatov, made with mixed media on canvas. There’s a serene yet subdued quality to it; it's a muted winter landscape, maybe even a bit melancholic. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: I'm immediately drawn to the materiality of the piece, or perhaps more accurately, the suggested materiality. The painting’s description lists mixed media, likely water color and perhaps gouache; the thin washes allow the white of the paper to create the snow. How does the layering affect your perception of depth and space within the work? Editor: It's interesting you point that out; it is almost as if the negative space has more power. The muted blues and grays in the water create an ethereal feeling. It almost feels unfinished. Why might he choose a method like watercolor to show something heavy, like snow and stone? Curator: Precisely. Watercolor traditionally is regarded as a lesser material, as less permanent. Using thin layers to suggest winter acknowledges the impermanence and slow violence of the season. The method used here makes you really consider how the piece would feel if it were, say, oil on panel. Think about the labor involved versus the output. Is the painting's value impacted by the medium that he chose? Editor: Definitely! A heavier paint would convey solidity. This feels like the moment just before things become solid, as the temperatures drop. Seeing it this way makes the landscape feel even more barren, more lonely. Curator: Exactly. This technique underscores the very real human element involved in resourcefulness, making value where you can. Perhaps that mirrors the very community eking out a life in this harsh environment. How do we traditionally value art created with certain materials and labor? Editor: I learned that paintings are more than meets the eye. The labor and cost of materials can really change your perspective. Thanks for making me consider something so easy to overlook. Curator: And I think that understanding materiality allows us to consider social issues of accessibility and perceived value.