project 61/

A BEGUN PAINTING

N. Naumov, Artist, Moscow

In the realization of any project difficulties, as everyone knows can arise at any stage of its realization, be it the period of of the initial conceptualization, the period of its elaboration, or its completing. This is to say nothing of the complexities of realizing it in real life, even the very embodiment in a clear form that is well-worked out in its details summons difficulties at each stage. Or the concept is clearly visible, but to is not at all clear how to develop it, and even less so how to realize it. In such cases, the psychological technique is very important, permitting us, so to speak, to surmount internally the transitions from one stage to the next. The project "A Begun Painting'' models this psychological orientation, it serves as a unique kind of training for the execution of other, more responsible problems and projects. An empty white painting is hung on the wall in a dark lacquer frame. The person conducting this experiment is supposed to, beginning with the lower left-hand corner, "depict" something (in this case, the ability or lack thereof to draw is not a consideration).

This can be stripes, spots, actual elements - for the future development of the painting it makes no difference.

As soon as something in this vein has been done, the "work" should be interrupted. But the mechanism embedded in the project turns out to be ignited, the subconscious impulse sent to our psyche has started to work. The next day (or the next 2 days), you will experience the persistent need to add just a few more details to the work that has been started, and something new on the following days. It is unknown how much time will be required, but the middle will be filled, moreover with the most serious and qualitative material, moreover what is most interesting is that this is without "special" control on your part. The reason rests in the good frame and in the fact that it is hanging on the wall. The effect of "completeness" which was contained in them, automatically demands a. a lofty result inside the "painting."

A BEGUN PAINTING

1. Stretch a primed white canvas on a frame.

2. Make a few color lines and spots with oil paints in the lower left-hand corner.

3. Order a black lacquer frame and place the canvas into it, stuffing spacer made of canvas between the frame and the painting as was done in old paintings under glass.