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