It is not what it seems: the secrets of the sculpture "Early Spring" at the exposition "Legacy for the Future"
The
exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, open until 2 February, features
paintings, photographs, art objects, and sculptures by artists from Russia,
China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Tour guide Yuri Bolotov shared
insights into Anastasia Minina's work "Early Spring."
The
sculpture depicts a young peasant woman carrying water with the help of a yoke.
She is accompanied by a foal. Anastasia Minina, a student of the Russian
Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture named after Ilya Glazunov,
draws inspiration from the lives of ordinary people, much like the great
artists of the past. Her work celebrates the labor, beauty, kindness, and
closeness to nature of peasants. Created in the style of realism, the sculpture
showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Looking at it, one
recalls masterpieces by renowned sculptors Ivan Shadr and Matvei Chizhov, also
dedicated to peasant life.
"This
sculpture has an interesting feature. First of all, everyone who sees it is
convinced that it is made of bronze or marble. Despite its small size, it gives
the impression of a monumental work. But in fact, it is made of paper using the
papier-mâché technique," said the tour guide of the National Centre
RUSSIA, Yuri Bolotov.
The work
has another unique feature. To notice it, you need to pay attention to the
shadow cast by the sculpture. In reality, the peasant woman's face is turned
towards the viewers, but if you look at the shadow, it seems as if she is
gazing at the foal, as if the artist wanted to highlight the tenderness with
which the peasant woman treats her beloved animal.
"Legacy
for the Future" is a large-scale project by the National Centre RUSSIA,
supporting the idea of a multinational dialogue about the future of the world,
with a focus on humanity. The exposition features works by young artists who
reflect on the present, express their attitudes toward past events, and
contemplate the future.
Visitors to
the National Centre RUSSIA can either explore the exposition independently or
join a free guided tour, available in 30-minute or one-hour formats.
Registration is available on the website in the "Events" section.
