Exlibris of Savka 1976

Oleksandr Aksinin made this print, “Exlibris of Savka,” in 1976. It encapsulates Aksinin’s engagement with surrealism, symbolism, and the cultural context of the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The dreamlike imagery, featuring a head with flowing hair, a birthday cake, and symbolic elements, invites us into a world where personal identity meets societal expectations. As an artist living in Soviet Ukraine, Aksinin navigated complex political and cultural terrain. The print reflects this tension, with its intricate details and coded messages hinting at both personal expression and the constraints imposed by the state. Aksinin's choice of the exlibris, a bookplate, suggests a connection between knowledge, identity, and ownership. It transforms traditional representations by inviting viewers to question the boundaries between the personal and the political. The emotional depth and surreal quality of the image resonate with our own search for meaning.