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.
