Angels 2000

Arsen Savadov made this photograph, “Angels,” probably in the nineties, and it’s really a trip. It's not painting, but it makes me think about painting. The two figures, adorned with wings, are plonked down among all these props. The light is harsh, maybe even a bit vulgar, which is a gutsy choice. The texture of the rocky backdrop is phenomenal, almost like a painting in itself. The way the "angels" interact with these objects feels performative, like they're working through something. It reminds me a bit of Jeff Wall. I'm always chewing on the difference between photography and painting. I like the way Savadov embraces the artificiality of the setup, creating this raw tableau that flirts with absurdity. To me, that’s a good thing.