Victor Karnauh, A Game for Four, Oil on Canvas

A game for four. Oil on canvas 92.5x100.5 cm

The painting is an abstract representation of four human figures engaged in a playful activity, capturing a sense of motion and interaction among them. The color palette consists primarily of earthy and muted tones, including shades of brown and olive green, with occasional touches of blue that add depth and contrast to the composition.

The figures are depicted in various dynamic poses that suggest they are running or playing together. Their forms are abstract and stylized, with elongated limbs and simplified shapes that convey movement and energy. The lack of detailed facial features or distinct clothing allows the focus to remain on their actions and the overall sense of playfulness.

The background is composed of layered shades of brown and olive green, creating a textured and organic feel. These colors blend and overlap, adding to the abstract nature of the painting and giving it a sense of depth. The use of blue shades in certain areas provides a subtle highlight, drawing the viewer's eye to specific parts of the scene and adding a cool contrast to the warmer tones.

The overall composition is lively and balanced, with the figures arranged in a way that leads the viewer's eye around the canvas, following their movement. The abstract style allows for personal interpretation, inviting viewers to imagine the details of the game and the relationships between the figures.

Victor Karnauh (1950-2012)

Victor Karnaukh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a monument designer, graduate of Latvian Academy of Arts. He had painted a multitude of interiors, including church plafonds and public buildings. His works are kept in private collections in the USA, Europe and Russia.

In 1966 Karnaukh enrolled into the Dnepropetrovsk Art Academy and graduated from it in 1970 (final work "Fair"). He served in the in 1970-1972 in the Air Defence Forces. After finishing his service he deliberately chose Latvian State Academy of Arts as the place to continue his studies.

In 1973 he enrolled into the Deprtment of Painting of the Latvian State Academy of Arts. In 1979 he finished the class of monumental painting (his final work "Everyday Life of Fishermen" was painted in the technique of encaustic painting).

Victor Karnaukh had been participating in exhibitions since 1976. In 1978 he became a member of the Union of Artists of Latvian SSR, in 1982 he received membership in the Union of Artists of the USSR. from 1985 to 1990 he had been participating in an international project of designing a modern residential area Olvenschtedt in Magdeburg (Eastern Germany). The fall of socialism in Eastern Germany did not allow him to finish this project. However, Karnaukh continued to work in Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, England. For many years he had been working in the USA, where he cooperated with different art galleries, but most of all with GUNNAR NORDSTROM GALLERY in Seatle (the state of Washington).