Self Portrait 1960

This self-portrait was painted by Valerii Lamakh, who was born in Ukraine in 1925. The artwork is made with oil paints, a traditional material valued for its flexibility and rich colors. The visible brushstrokes of oil paint lend a tactile quality to the image, revealing the artist's process. The textured surface invites us to consider the time and labor invested in its creation. Lamakh has engaged with traditions of portraiture, but he has used the materiality of the paint to convey a unique style. The thick application and expressive handling create an intensity that goes beyond mere representation. Oil paint, once a costly commodity, became more accessible with industrialization. This reflects changing patterns of production and consumption. This reminds us that materials and making processes are not separate from wider social issues. Understanding how this work was crafted deepens our appreciation, challenging divisions between art and craft.