The inevitability of fate: a modern Icarus at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

St. Petersburg Academy of Arts graduate Andrei Pyankovsky has reimagined the myth of Icarus, placing the character in a modern setting while preserving the tragic essence of the story. Visitors can admire this vibrant and skillfully executed work at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition and reflect on its meaning.

Please note that the exposition will be closed for technical maintenance from December 10 to December 18 and will reopen to visitors on December 19.

The painting "Icarus" stands out as one of the key highlights of the exposition, greeting visitors at the very start of the hall. Originally conceived as a triptych, only the central panel is displayed. This modern take on the myth of Daedalus and his son Icarus shows Icarus not falling into the sea but crashing through the window of a contemporary building.

"If you look closely, you can see that the young man is flying into the window of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, where the artist himself studied. This choice adds a unique symbolic layer to the work," explains tour guide Yelena Usova.

The painting evokes numerous associations. On the one hand, it reflects humanity’s yearning for freedom and the struggle against forces that constrain human thought, hindering even the boldest of dreams. In his pursuit of perfection, Icarus is willing to sacrifice everything, a quality that aligns him with artists, including the painter himself.

On the other hand, the myth of Icarus’s fall serves as a reminder that his tragedy is a consequence of his father’s sins. According to legend, before Icarus was born, Daedalus killed his nephew and apprentice, Talos, whose exceptional inventiveness threatened to surpass his mentor. Consumed by envy, Daedalus pushed the boy from a cliff. This crime set in motion the curse that ultimately led to Icarus’s demise.

Pyankovsky’s depiction of Icarus’s fall captures a frozen moment in time — a poignant reminder that despite humanity’s monumental achievements, we are destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over.

The exposition "Legacy for the Future" presents works by young artists from six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Through their art, these creators offer personal responses to contemporary challenges. They reflect on the present, express their attitude towards the past, and contemplate the future.

Visitors to the National Centre can enjoy the exposition either independently or by joining a free guided tour lasting 30 or 60 minutes. Registration is available on the website in the "Events" section.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.

The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.