Pavel Makov: Sculptor, Graphic Artist, and Art Explorer. In April 2022, Pavel Makov presented a magnificent creation to Ukraine at the Venice Biennale — a sculpture titled "The Fountain of Depletion. Aqua Alta." This vertical platform adorned with bronze basins forms an efficient pyramid, creating a water circulation. While the upper basins are constantly filled, the lower ones remain virtually untouched. This installation symbolizes depletion on personal and global levels.
Master of Etching and Graphics
Pavel Makov, born in 1958, is an outstanding Ukrainian artist and an academician of the Academy of Arts of Ukraine. A member of the Royal Society of Painters and Graphic Artists of Great Britain and the Union of Artists of Ukraine, Makov represents a significant figure in the new wave of Ukrainian artists.
Etching Mastery
Makov explores the technique of etching — a unique engraving method where an image is etched onto a copper or zinc plate with acid. This labor-intensive process requires physical effort, but Makov finds in it a unique opportunity to create works of art. He uses an etching press to transfer his drawings onto paper, crafting intriguing compositions that often become singular masterpieces.
Creative Process and Uniqueness
Despite the complexity and duration of creating each work, Makov rejects mass production, aiming for uniqueness. Instead of producing editions, he uses prints from various plates, creating multiple intaglio. It's important for the artist that each print is a "letter," coming together to form the "text" of the composition, which, in turn, is the basis of the "narrative." This unique approach gives Makov's works a distinctive character.
Social Essence of Creativity
Makov perceives art as a social process, even when it's entertaining. He strives to create in each of his works a "macro-world" and a "micro-world," where the viewer can immerse themselves in the details, discovering something new every day. He does not impose his interpretations on the viewer, providing everyone the opportunity to interact with his art in their own way.
Exploration of Landscapes and Utopias
Makov's creativity delves into themes of place, landscape, the effect of presence in art, and the construction of utopian scenarios. Projects such as "Gardens," "Utopia," "Book of Days," and "Paradiso Perduto (Lost Paradise)" represent visual explorations of imaginary worlds closely linked to reality.
Creation of Artbooks
In addition to graphic series, Makov actively engages in creating artbooks or "author's books," where text and images play equal roles. These books complement his graphic works created since 1992, offering viewers a deeper immersion into the world of his creativity.