“3 – 15” (Russian billiard)

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Canvas on cardboard, 30х40 см (11.81”x 15.75”)

Oil

Arithmism

Kyiv, 2011.

Contemplating usual thins, randomly positioned somewhere, might result in some further thinking. This is probably the nature of human mind. It can create associative fields starting from what was seen. Especially if an order was noticed where only chaos must have been.

Thus, random disposition of uniform casual objects can appear like a code, or even a symbol of certain hidden order. Coplanar billiard balls are uniform spherical objects spread over flat uniform space. Every one of them is numbered, which could well assign a specific meaning to the whole composition.

As we know, in ancient times magic squares symbolized certain “celestial spheres” corresponding to respective planets. For example, square 3x3 corresponded to Saturn. Billiard balls, being numbered spheres, can make an allusion to the world of celestial bodies and precise harmony of their complicated movements. Such allusions fall well within the scope of artistic goals of Arithmism.

On the picture titled “3 – 15” (Russian billiard) we see that the balls took their places forming Saturnal magic square – 3x3 matrix with its vertical, horizontal and diagonal sums equal to 15. Solar light coming down to the table from round-headed window, is expressively modeling the form of every ball – which to a certain extent might make them look like planets. Nine balls are turned to the spectator with their numbered sides, and the square formed by them can be seen pretty well. Which means that this painting is only partially still-life...