Per Aspera…, 2026

Zakhar Shevchuk  

Per Aspera… (2026) by Zakhar Shevchuk is a monumental abstract painting that explores tension, movement, and the emergence of structure within a seemingly chaotic field.

The composition is constructed through layers of gestural brushwork, sweeping arcs, and sharp linear accents that intersect across the canvas. Vertical drips introduce a sense of gravity and downward pull, while curved strokes create counter-movements that push the composition outward. The palette – dominated by warm ochres, pale yellows, and off-whites – provides a luminous ground against which darker, more aggressive marks assert themselves. Despite its abstract nature, the painting carries a strong internal logic. The eye is guided through shifting zones of density and openness, where forms appear to assemble and disintegrate in real time. This dynamic creates a sense of instability that is not destructive but generative, suggesting a process of becoming rather than collapse.

The title, Per Aspera…, evokes a passage through difficulty, yet the work deliberately avoids illustrating a clear outcome. Instead, it remains suspended within the tension of transformation itself. This approach aligns the painting with traditions of gestural abstraction, while maintaining a distinct sensitivity to balance and rhythm.

This work will appeal to collectors seeking large-scale contemporary abstraction with both visual impact and conceptual depth – particularly pieces that engage with movement, process, and the physicality of paint.