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. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

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.