SPIRAL, JERSEY CITY oil on paper 46 by 30in Valeri Larko

The painting presents a stark verticality dominated by a weathered industrial structure. Here we observe a large water tower, its form divided into two distinct sections: a lower, rectangular base and a cylindrical upper portion. The base appears as a utilitarian enclosure with a small window and a rooftop railing, elevated on a skeletal framework of steel beams. Above this sits the main tank, connected by an external spiral staircase that winds upwards along the exterior.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of muted tones of white, rust-red, and grey, reflecting the decay and age of the structure. The surface texture suggests years of exposure to the elements; patches of corrosion are evident on both the base and the tank, lending a palpable sense of deterioration. The sky above is overcast, contributing to the overall somber mood. A band of dense vegetation occupies the foreground, softening the harshness of the industrial form but also emphasizing its isolation.
The composition directs attention upwards, highlighting the tower’s imposing height against the expansive sky. This vertical emphasis creates a sense of scale and emphasizes the structures dominance over the surrounding landscape. The spiral staircase, while functional, introduces a dynamic element that contrasts with the static nature of the building itself. It suggests potential movement or access, yet its rusted condition implies abandonment.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of obsolescence, industrial decline, and the passage of time. The structure’s isolated position hints at a forgotten purpose, perhaps representing a bygone era of industry. The decay evident in the materials speaks to neglect and the inevitable effects of entropy. There is an underlying melancholy conveyed through the muted colors and the palpable sense of abandonment. It prompts reflection on human intervention within the natural world and the impermanence of constructed environments. The painting doesnt offer easy answers, but rather invites contemplation about memory, loss, and the quiet dignity of decay.