Untitled 2015

Gennady Mironov painted this untitled artwork with oils on canvas, using traditional art materials. If you look closely, the artist’s hand is evident in every brushstroke. The rich textures of the oils create depth, drawing us into the landscape of palm trees. The painting required careful layering, building up the forms of the trees and foliage with great detail. Mironov has carefully chosen his palette and paint application to evoke a tropical scene, reminiscent of leisure and escape. Consider the labor that goes into producing such an artwork. The extraction of raw materials, processing them into pigments, and the application to canvas all reflect the artist's skills and aesthetic sensibilities. Mironov invites us to contemplate the intersection of skill, labor, and the natural world. This painting challenges us to consider what we consider art and craft and their cultural value.