Face 1965

Vilen Barsky, made this work, entitled “Face,” using what appears to be spray paint on paper. The inherent qualities of spray paint – its quick application, its tendency to bleed, and its association with both street art and industrial production – all influence the appearance of the artwork. The controlled, yet slightly unpredictable nature of spray paint has imbued the image with a sense of immediacy. Barsky likely engaged with techniques common in graffiti art, a practice often born from marginalized communities, reflecting social issues of labor and politics. The single material, spray paint, and the speed of its application highlights an economy of means; this contrasts starkly with the laborious processes traditionally associated with fine art. This contrast challenges our conventional understanding of the value and the work involved in art production. The choice of materials and methods speaks volumes.