graphite & charcoal on paper

25cmx20cm

Drab surroundings, prison-like windows, exposed cement, angular geometric shapes and a predominantly monochrome palette are all things that characterize brutalist architecture. The building depicted in this piece is located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Formerly the Ministry of Transportation (now the Bank of Georgia), the building was built from 1972-1975. It is reminiscent of El Lissitzky's Cloud Irons as well as Japanese Metabolist architecture. George Chakhava was the minister of transport and the building’s architect at the same time.

This piece was an exercise in perspective and contrast. My goal was to emphasize the negative space, using charcoal for the background and graphite for the building itself. This structure brings along with it a sense of dictator-like assertiveness, like many other brutalist buildings, making a clear statement over the viewer. It is heavy, pronounced, affirmative, dominant and is also a clear reflection of the Soviet Union and the political environment at that time.

April 25, 2021