Tenderness and profound meaning: the sculpture "Lessons of Love" at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

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The exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA showcases over 200 works by artists from different countries. Among avant-garde and surrealistic pieces, visitors can spot a plaster sculpture depicting a little girl embracing a cat. The work, executed in the realism technique, seems simple only at first glance. According to the guide Maria Sorokina, it carries a profound meaning.

The creator of the sculpture "Lessons of Love" is Irina Burla, a student at the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. Her work is dedicated to love: we see a child holding her beloved pet tightly yet tenderly. The girl's face exudes calmness. However, the true protagonist of the composition is the cat. The artist managed to portray it with remarkable expressiveness: bulging eyes and a silent cry make it clear that the animal is displeased with this display of affection and is about to break free.

"This is an absolutely realistic piece. I personally love cats, and when I look at it, I remember myself at this girl’s age and my own cat. The sculpture evokes positive emotions, but at the same time, it conveys a profound meaning. Quite often, we smother those we care about with our love and struggle to let them go. This is particularly true in relationships between parents and their children. It's a very telling work, wonderfully executed with a certain mood," explains the guide.

She also noted that the sculpture follows the traditions of the Renaissance era, when artists began exploring human nature in their work and depicting everyday scenes instead of divine subjects.

"Legacy for the Future" is a large-scale project by the National Centre RUSSIA, promoting the idea of multinational dialogue about the future of the world, with humanity at its core.

The exposition features works by young artists from six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. In their creations, the young authors present a personal response to contemporary challenges. They reflect on the present, express their attitude towards past events, and contemplate the future.

Visitors to the National Centre can explore the exposition independently or join free guided tours, available in 30-minute or one-hour formats. Registration is available on the website under 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.