Inventing the Future

Opening hours:
Tue-Sun from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m
14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow

"Son of the Earth", "The Feat of the Hermitage", and "Lessons of Love": revisiting the most striking works of the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

"Son of the Earth", "The Feat of the Hermitage", and "Lessons of Love": revisiting the most striking works of the "Legacy for the Future" exposition
Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA
02.02.2025

On Sunday, February 2, the exposition of young artists, "Legacy for the Future," comes to an end. Over the past three months, tens of thousands of visitors have come to the gallery of the National Centre RUSSIA to see paintings, sculptures, art objects, photographs, and animations created by artists from our country, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Let’s highlight the most memorable works.

Son of the Earth

One of the key works at the exposition is the sculpture "Son of the Earth." This is the only work created not by graduates of art schools but by an already renowned and experienced master — Dong Shubing. The sculpture, depicting a peacefully sleeping giant infant, is a smaller replica of the original located in the Gobi Desert. This piece serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for nature and taking responsibility for future generations. After all, we are all children of the Earth.

The Crossing

Another iconic piece is the painting "The Crossing" by Maria Bushmakina. It’s the first artwork that catches the eye of visitors as they enter the gallery. The painting depicts people walking over a pedestrian crossing, but it's more than just an everyday urban scene. Upon closer inspection, one can notice that the left side of the painting is vibrant and detailed, while as the figures move forward, their images become blurred, and the right side appears aged and faded. A graduate of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, Maria Bushmakina illustrates the relentless flow of time, which is impossible to resist. Her painting is a contemplation on life, capturing the essence of people from both the past and the present. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The Feat of the Hermitage

Olga Volkova's painting tells the story of saving the Hermitage museum’s exhibits during the Great Patriotic War. Museum staff — ranging from scholars to ordinary workers—as well as volunteers from among the local residents, worked tirelessly, with little to no rest, to prepare great paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts for evacuation, preserving the great cultural legacy of their country. It is important to note that this painting not only conveys the significance of safeguarding heritage but also serves as a striking example of preserving classical artistic traditions. The artist paints as if following the legacy of the old masters, constructing a flawless composition, creating an interplay of light and shadow, and infusing each detail with deep meaning. Behind this seemingly everyday scene lies the story of an entire nation. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

My Grandmother Zhang Fengying

A touching and deeply personal piece, this work by artist Han Yusha is dedicated to her grandmother. The painting depicts a vintage sewing machine, above which Chinese characters seem to float — embroidered on a transparent surface in the same form they were first written by her grandmother when she first held a pencil. The experience of the older generation highlights the importance of education, while the artwork itself serves as a reminder of the deep emotional connection between generations. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Crossing Boundaries

One of the most striking and enigmatic works, this piece consistently draws attention and sparks numerous questions from visitors. Li Runzhi’s bold installation is a complex structure made of desks and chairs, all painted red. The work is dedicated to school and coming of age, reminding viewers of that challenging yet crucial period in life when we first leave our families to become part of a new community. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Le Orla — Self-Destruction

Brazilian artist Monique Queiroz has created a tragic yet life-affirming series of works. The three canvases depict the same self-portrait, but the use of different color schemes evokes distinct emotions. One painting inspires hope, another instills anxiety, and the third conveys sadness. When viewed together as a single piece, the true depth of its meaning unfolds. While working on this series, Monique Queiroz began to lose her vision and eventually went completely blind. This artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of not falling into despair and finding light within oneself. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Lessons of Love

Though this sculpture may not be the most striking among the works, it has consistently drawn visitors’ attention. In the end, Irina Burla’s work became one of the most beloved pieces, both among tour guides and guests alike. This is due to its combination of a simple storyline and profound meaning. The sculpture portrays a little girl embracing a cat with all her might — while the cat, clearly unhappy with the tight grip, is preparing to escape the "clutches of love." This touching and heartfelt metaphor illustrates how suffocating love can sometimes be and highlights the importance of letting go of those we cherish most. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA
Possibly interesting
19.02.2025
Crab, commander squid, cloudberries, and reindeer lichen: what to expect at the "Journey Across Russia. Food"

The large-scale "Journey Across Russia" project will launch at the National Centre RUSSIA on March 1. 

18.02.2025
The natural wealth of the Urals will be presented at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition

On March 1, the National Centre RUSSIA will launch a new large-scale project, "Journey Across Russia."

18.02.2025
The International Documentary Film Festival "RT.DOC: The Time of Our Heroes" will be held at the National Centre RUSSIA

From February 21 to 23, the National Centre RUSSIA will host the III International Documentary Film Festival "RT.DOC: The Time of Our Heroes."

Войти с помощью изображения лица (биометрии) можно, только если вы уже сдавали биометрию
Например, в мобильном приложении «Госуслуги Биометрия», в отделении ПАО «Банк ВТБ», на выставке в Павильоне №71
вход с помощью биометрии
Для использования изображения лица (биометрии) необходимо дать согласие, для этого вы будете перенаправлены на портал «Госуслуги»
Например, в мобильном приложении «Госуслуги Биометрия» , в отделении ПАО «Банк ВТБ», на выставке в Павильоне №71
Да, продолжить
Биометрия не найдена
Пожалуйста убедитесь, что у вас сдана биометрия, проверить можно с помощью мобильного приложения «Госуслуги Биометрия»
login to your Personal Account
Please, sign in to be able to save interesting materials and latest news.
Log in via social media
Or
Log in via email
Forgot your password?
Network account? Register
Пожалуйста, авторизуйтесь
Необходимо зарегистрироваться или войти в аккаунт
Назад
Recover
password
Please enter the email address you used when registering