The Last Snow (Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra) 1975

Yuriy Khymych made this oil painting, "The Last Snow (Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra)", with what looks like quick, decisive strokes, capturing a moment in time. The palette is so interesting, a mix of muted purples and blues, with the surprise of gold on the tallest tower, which gives it a kind of otherworldly feeling. Looking closely, you can see how Khymych uses color to define form, but also to flatten space. The paint isn't too thick, but you can see the texture of the brushstrokes, like he was really present in the act of painting. The roofs of the buildings, how he renders them with these short, choppy strokes, it's almost like he's building up the scene, piece by piece. The way the snow sits on the ground, thick white lines edged with dark purple, really striking, and makes the picture pop. It makes me think of other artists who captured architecture in simplified forms, like Lyonel Feininger, but with a uniquely Ukrainian sensibility. It’s a lovely reminder that art doesn't need to be perfect to be powerful.