Nude 1975

Hryhorii Havrylenko drew this "Nude" with ink on paper, and the date is unknown. Look at how economical Havrylenko is with his marks; it's like he's trying to say as much as possible with the fewest lines. The simplicity of the lines against the paper creates a really intimate feeling. Havrylenko’s contour drawing is spare, almost like a map or a blueprint. The lines aren’t just describing her form but somehow hinting at something deeper. Notice the subtle curve of her jawline, the way the line hesitates and then flows – there's a real tenderness in that gesture. It makes me think of Matisse's line drawings, where he could capture a whole mood with just a few strokes. And like a Cy Twombly, Havrylenko reminds us that sometimes the simplest marks can hold the most meaning.