The new heroes of the
exhibition project “Sculpture/Tapestry” presented at the Darwin museum are
fantastic animals from ancient and medieval mythology. The creative tandem of a
sculptor Artyom Vlasov and a tapestry artist Andrey Madekin unites culture and
a prehistoric connection with nature.
Sculpture and weaving
are one of the most ancient kinds of art which started developing in the Stone
Age and evolved along with humans, from creating simple practical and ritual items
to modern works of art.
Each artist has his
own perception and style, special topics and techniques. Since early childhood,
Artyom Vlasov was surrounded by his favourite pets, so the artist keeps coming
back to depicting them. “Animals, especially birds, are the closest creatures
to me among the entire world around us. I always have a few several dozens of
singing birds at home”, - says the sculptor.
Ancient and medieval
mythology is the favourite topic of Andrey Madekin. Many ideas of his art works
are devoted to wonderful metamorphoses. The gobelin “The Lady and the Unicorn” reminds
us of a beautiful medieval legend, especially popular in the XVth century in
France, about a unicorn that can be seen only by a pure and beautiful lady.
Artyom Vlasov. Fallow deer. Bronze, 2011.
Artyom Vlasov. Lioness. Bronze, 2009.
Andrey Madekin. “The Lady and the Unicorn”. Gobelin, 2003.
Andrey Madekin. White lion.