Inventing the Future

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The paintings "In the Stairwell" and "The Stop": two perspectives on loneliness at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

The paintings "In the Stairwell" and "The Stop": two perspectives on loneliness at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition
Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA
01.11

The unique exposition of young artists from various countries continues at the National Centre RUSSIA. Loneliness has become one of the most relevant themes reflected in the artists' work. Here’s how authors from Russia and China depict loneliness in their creations.

"In the Stairwell" is a painting by Kim Khabibullin. A student of the Zagir Ismagilov Ufa State Institute of Arts, he portrays a familiar everyday scene. A man is climbing the stairs in a stairwell with a bag in his hand, apparently heading to his apartment. At first glance, there seems to be nothing remarkable about this plot, but upon closer inspection, the painting masterfully conveys the condition of a lonely elderly man who must face life's burdens alone. These burdens are symbolized by the evidently heavy bag and the steep staircase in the foreground. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

However, this painting holds a secret. The guide of the National Centre RUSSIA, Yuri Bolotov, explained that some visitors of the exposition see a completely opposite meaning here. Children perceive it more positively, and young art enthusiasts offer their interpretation: the man is not lonely at all; he is hurrying to his large family. That is why he has such a heavy bag full of groceries — a lonely person would not buy so much just for himself.

Thoughts of loneliness also arise when looking at a completely different work — "The Stop" by Shen Jingyi. According to Yuri Bolotov, this painting is one of the most frightening. It depicts an urban landscape, with a little girl standing at the centre, peeking out from behind a tree. The painting's peculiarity lies in its deliberate incompleteness. Many elements remain uncolored, as if they are about to disappear. This makes the child's tragedy feel more acute. While loneliness burdens an adult, for a child, loneliness is truly dangerous. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

In the gallery of the National Centre RUSSIA, visitors can see paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, videos, installations, and even architectural projects created by young artists over the past few years. Guests can enjoy either a self-guided tour of the exposition or a free guided tour lasting 30 or 60 minutes. Registration is available on the website in the "Events" section.

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