Straw fish 1983

Curator: Sergei Parajanov’s “Straw Fish,” created in 1983, presents such a striking interplay of textures and form. What catches your eye first? Editor: The sheer density! It's incredibly tactile, and earthy; there’s this curious, almost archaic feel from its construction and tones. Curator: Indeed, the piece exemplifies Parajanov’s mixed-media assemblage approach. He repurposes everyday materials, challenging conventional notions of artistic mediums. Look closely; can you identify all the ingredients that make up its character? Editor: Straw, obviously, gives that name. There are other organic components here, possibly some shell fragments? And there's a woven rectangle at the top...is that a fabric scrap? Curator: Good eye! Parajanov had a way of transforming discarded objects into powerful narratives. Consider his circumstances: due to censorship, he was blocked from filmmaking. Craft became a defiant form of expression; these assemblages emerged from material constraints. This isn't high art, is more aligned with craft and folk-art traditions. Editor: Which is fascinating when you consider how carefully composed it is. Note the circular wooden plane and how the form and texture contrasts draw our eye across the surface. Also the careful arrangement of these fragmented shells suggesting underwater vegetation that highlights its radial structure. The textured square creates an interesting tension. Curator: It does indeed disrupt expectations by injecting this jolt of textile craft into what would otherwise be a homogenous creation; the very thing highlights that creative tension inherent in the Soviet non-conformist. Editor: I keep circling back to how incredibly physical the creation of this piece must have been. All those delicate, fragile, rough pieces brought together... Curator: Absolutely. And it embodies defiance. Perhaps art making in these circumstances become the true form of liberation? Editor: Perhaps the beauty of “Straw Fish” lies precisely there; that’s something for audiences to appreciate!