Creative Impulses Of Ancient Russian Art And Present-Day Dynamics In A. Smirnov’s Artistic Search

The author of the given article pursues the goal to consider the features of A. Smirnov’s artistic plasticism, as well as to identify the connections between his creative searches in this direction and the Christian worldview. This analysis is carried out on the basis of the ar- tist’s works such as Among the Teachers (1985), The Kingdom of God (1986), The Descent of St. Spirit (1987), Healing the Possessed (1992), diptych Storm at Sea (1995), Creation of the World (1988), Choice (1991). The structure of the article provides a step-by-step identification of the common features inherent in the artist’s creative style, followed by a generalisation of their main characteristics. The work analyses the master’s plastic language within the framework of his religious and philosophical thinking. The manifestation of a two-way connection between the master’s creative perception and the artistic heritage of ancient Russian art is considered. The characteristic accents in which this connection is affirmed are analysed. An analysis of compositional, rhythmic characteristics, and stylistic features of art works is carried out. As a result of the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that, in his works, the artist reveals a new dynamism of perception, which is expressed in its own unique commitment to the idea of returning movement, circular rhythm, and the appearance of space in several planes. Much is formed under the influence of his attraction to the art of Ancient Rus’. It can be found both in the widespread use of the circle and sphere motif, a lot of diminishing perspective, and in the plastic presentation of the figurative mass as a whole. The nature of the dynamics and statics combination, that is a desire for a commonality of their perception, the consistency of these concepts, is inherent in many of the artist’s creations. At times, it seems he intuitively feels the static basis of this or that work. As if in contrast to it, the element of movement begins to reveal itself as a synthesis of the dynamics of the 20'th century, combined with the harmony and grace of ancient Russian art.