Composition (Crucifixion) 1964

Hryhorii Havrylenko’s "Composition (Crucifixion)" is a powerful painting that explores the crucifixion in an abstract way with oil on canvas. Look how the image emerges from a process of layering and intuitive mark-making. The texture is really interesting here, isn't it? The paint is applied in thick, opaque strokes, building up a tactile surface. See how the pale yellows and blues create a ghostly figure against the dark blue background. The brushstrokes around the central figure seem to dissolve the body into thin air. The paint handling is so physical, so present. It reminds me of Chaim Soutine, who also used expressive brushwork to convey intense emotion. In both artists, the act of painting becomes a way of grappling with profound existential themes, embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations.