Series
Times and Years: Traditions and Experience
The collection "Seasons" is a multifaceted and conceptually rich work that immerses the viewer in the process of cultural transformation through symbolic connections between time, generations, and traditions. At the heart of this collection are four large figures, approximately 80 cm in height, each representing a specific stage of life and season, embedded within the cyclical narrative of human existence, where the changing seasons mirror the phases of human life.
These figures — Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter — carry profound metaphorical weight. They embody the symbolism of natural cycles, which forms the basis for the reflection on the dynamics of human life. Each of these figures is dressed in traditional Slavic costume, imparting an additional layer of cultural significance, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions as an integral part of collective identity. The symbols of time and age in these figures become metaphors for the transformation of personal and societal values, based on accumulated experience and an understanding of cultural heritage.
Transformation of Identity: From the Past to the Future
However, as in any progressive cultural paradigm, tradition faces a challenge from contemporaneity, which is clearly illustrated by the four figures in the role of Tsarevnas — characters representing the new generation, unwilling to blindly follow the old norms. These figures, with elements of humor and provocation, embody subcultural trends, loudly opposing patriarchal ideals. Their bright postures and audacious facial expressions are the rhetoric of youth protest, asserting their identity in contrast to traditional canons.
Such contrast presented in the collection leads to the formulation of important philosophical questions about the role of cultural identity in the era of globalization. How can the cultural code be preserved and passed on without hindering development? Where are the boundaries between tradition and progress? Is it possible to find a balance between them? These questions become not only the basis for interpreting each figure but also the primary research focus of the collection itself.
Each sculpture in this series is a standalone work, but together they form a dynamic composition, where traditional and modern elements, the personal and the public, the past and the future interact. "Seasons" does not merely tell a story; it embodies a deep metaphor of life's cycles, expressed through the language of art and a master whose work is based on a careful examination of cultural layers and philosophical concepts.
Featured collection
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"Tsarevna"
Regular price €2,600.00Regular priceUnit price per -
"The White Tsarevna #2"
Regular price From €1,500.00Regular priceUnit price per
Time and experience are inseparably linked, forming the foundation of our identity. Traditions, as a bridge between the past and the future, pass on knowledge and wisdom, shaping our perception of the world. In the process of transformation, we not only preserve heritage but also open new paths, rethinking the place of the old in the modern.
Mastery and Patience: The Process of Creating Ceramic Sculptures
Creating this composition took me a whole year. Works of this scale require a special approach and careful attention to detail at every stage. I started by sculpting the figures using high-quality clay, which allows for creating durable yet detailed and delicate elements. All the works are hollow inside, which significantly complicates the process and requires great care and precision at every step.
After completing the sculpture, they undergo two firings at a temperature of 1250°C. The first firing is necessary to strengthen the form and create a durable body, while the second one is for fixing the glazes. I spent a long time selecting the glazes, making many test samples to evaluate their compatibility and chemical interactions both with each other and with the clay. This process took several months, as it was crucial to achieve the perfect visual effect and color depth. I carefully selected the glaze colors to ensure they reflected the character of each figure and harmonized with one another.
The process of creating such large ceramic sculptures requires not only patience and precision but also a high level of technical expertise in working with ceramics. It is a labor-intensive, yet incredibly inspiring process that allows me to create truly unique pieces.
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Each of these sculptures is an embodiment of the struggle between time and tradition, a meeting of the past and the future. In their forms and details, I aim to reflect not only human life but also its inevitable changes. Inspired by the natural cycles, these works remind us that, like nature itself, we are constantly evolving, yet something eternal always remains within us.
This collection was acquired by a private collector at the Contemporary Art Exhibition in 2022. However, if you find yourself drawn to and intrigued by this sculptural narrative for a residential or public space, feel free to contact me. I will be happy to design and create a similar unique composition tailored to your needs.
Spring
The sculpture "Spring" embodies youth, the new cycle of life, and renewal. Its form combines freshness, energy, and lightness, characteristics inherent to this season. The vibrant colors, delicate shapes, and intricate details, such as the decorative elements on the dress, emphasize the spirit of hope and growth. Like spring itself, this figure symbolizes a beginning, a moment of birth for something new and unexplored.
Summer
The sculpture "Summer" symbolizes a period of flourishing, energy, and activity. The vibrant and rich colors of red and white reflect the warmth and fullness of life characteristic of this season. Embodying maturity, confidence, and strength, this figure represents the peak of personal freedom, creativity, and vivid emotions. The strong lines and expressive details highlight the harmony and inner balance that come with a full sense of one's place in the world.
Autumn
Autumn represents a time when both nature and human life transition from maturity to completion. This sculpture embodies maturity, achieved through wisdom and awareness. The woman in traditional attire holding an apple symbolizes the abundance of autumn, akin to the richness of experience and maturity. The warm autumn hues in her clothing, textures, and form create an image full of calmness and confidence. This piece conveys maturity, the readiness to appreciate and gather the fruits of life, yet also to embrace inevitable changes, just as life itself unfolds.
Winter
The Winter sculpture embodies maturity and wisdom, encapsulated in the long winter months when nature slows its pace. The woman, dressed in winter attire with her arms crossed, appears as though she has endured many trials. She stands in silence, reflecting peace and maturity, with downcast yet resilient facial features. The cold tones of the glaze symbolize the long winter nights, white landscapes, and the cold that has bound nature. In this figure, one can see both strength and calmness that come with age, as well as a sense of completion in the life cycle.
I Am Here. I Am Now. I...
The Tsarevnas are a vivid and expressive part of my collection, embodying the traits of youthful rebellion and the yearning for freedom. These figures, crafted in the context of the traditional image of a girl in a kokoshnik, but with an unusual, even provocative expression, symbolize the modern generation that strives to break established norms and rewrite the rules.
With their exaggerated poses and bold expressions, the Tsarevnas create a striking contrast to traditional values, reflecting the youth's desire for self-expression and protest against conventions. While each of these figures represents individuality and character, they also fill the space with questions related to change, conflict, and the search for one's path in life.
The painting of these figures is done in bright, saturated colors, with emphasis on golden details that add contrast and grandeur. This work is not just an ornament, but a true ceramic installation, prompting reflection on the place of art and culture in today's society.
A Journey Through Time: The "Seasons" Collection
The "Seasons" collection is not just a series of sculptures, but a profound philosophical reflection on human life, nature, and cultural traditions. Each figure in this series carries historical and cultural significance, reflecting important moments of our lives and the inevitable cycles of time. These artworks not only capture attention but also provoke thought, filling the space with both aesthetic beauty and deep meaning.
Each sculpture is unique and crafted with the utmost skill, making the collection one-of-a-kind and special. If you are looking for not just a decor piece, but a work of art that inspires and conveys significant ideas, the "Seasons" collection will be a magnificent addition to your space.
These works will enhance your interior, filling it with culture and profound expression. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of eternity and expression that will continue to communicate with you through space.
For further details and to place an order, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you in selecting a piece that reflects your style and philosophy.