Original artwork description:

In A Boy in Kitty Hat, Ukrainian contemporary artist Zakhar Shevchuk invites us to pause and look beyond the surface of a child’s simple smile. Painted in a dynamic interplay of semi-abstract textures and vivid, intuitive brushwork, this artwork is more than just a portrait – it’s an atmospheric meditation on the fleeting nature of childhood and the emotional power of memory. The whimsical blue hat with cat-like features introduces a fantastical, dreamlike quality, while the expression on the boy’s face reveals curiosity, quiet confidence, and a trace of introspection.

Unlike traditional portraiture, Zakhar approaches the subject with painterly freedom, using gestural strokes and layered textures to create an immersive emotional landscape. The cool color palette, punctuated by warm flashes of red and pink, reflects the contrasts within the child’s world – softness and strength, play and depth, imagination and reality.

Shevchuk’s mastery of semi-abstract figuration allows viewers to experience both recognition and ambiguity – drawing them into a visual and emotional conversation. This is a deeply original work for collectors drawn to expressive portraiture and Eastern European contemporary voices.

Materials used:

Oil

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