Creativity that brings joy: the story behind the painting "Russian Museum" at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

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To ensure a happy future, it is essential not only to develop technology but also to preserve and enhance cultural legacy — one of the main sources of joy and inspiration. This is one of the central ideas of the exposition "Legacy for the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA. A vivid reflection of this concept is the graduation project of Natalia Velikaya, a student of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Her work, "Russian Museum," was created in 2023.

Natalia Velikaya is an artist in the third generation. In her hometown of Kostroma, she graduated with honors from an art school. Later, her family moved to St. Petersburg, where Natalia continued her studies at the Secondary Art School affiliated with the Academy.

Among the achievements of this young artist are a gold medal for academic excellence and first place in a speed drawing competition organized by the Academy of Arts. Many of Natalia’s paintings have been featured in Academy expositions, and her diploma project, "Russian Museum," has exceeded all expectations, repeatedly delighting art enthusiasts with its vibrant impressions.

The painting's subject is a children’s excursion to the Russian Museum. Viewers can see young visitors comfortably seated on the museum floor. They have spread out their sheets of paper, taking notes and making sketches while attentively listening to the guide, who radiates enthusiasm as she shares stories about the life and work of the great seascape artist Ivan Aivazovsky. The scene conveys a sense of the children’s full immersion in the educational process, with every detail of the canvas depicted so authentically that the moment feels as though it has been captured by a camera. 

"The artist of the painting shared what inspired her to create this work. During a visit to the Russian Museum, she observed a similar scene and was struck by how the children interacted with the guide. The most significant moment came at the end of the excursion when the guide asked the children what they saw in the paintings. The young visitors answered, 'Joy.' It was at that moment that Natalia decided this was her calling — to bring joy to people — and that she would dedicate her life to this pursuit," shared Yelena Shatyrenok, a guide at the National Centre RUSSIA.

Paintings by other young artists showcased at the National Centre RUSSIA reflect similar sentiments. It is safe to say that the surname of the artist behind Russian Museum — Velikaya ("Great") — likely corresponds to the promising creative future of this talented painter.

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 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.