Composition 1960

Hryhorii Havrylenko made this painting, Composition, at an unknown date with watercolor on paper. The color palette is muted and earthy, punctuated by a vibrant red, and you can really see the artist’s hand in the way the colours bleed and blend into each other. Looking closely, you notice that the texture of the paper plays a big part. The pigment seems to soak right in, creating a soft, almost velvety surface. The central form, rendered in dark green, has this curious, almost totemic quality. It’s flanked by the red square which anchors the composition, giving it a sense of depth and space. It’s not just about what it represents, but how the paint sits on the surface. Havrylenko’s work reminds me a little of Agnes Martin. Both artists share an interest in the beauty of simple forms. Like a conversation, it's an example of how art builds on ideas, transforming them in the process.