Exlibris of Maksymka 1976

Oleksandr Aksinin created this intriguing Exlibris of Maksymka in 1976, filled with symbols that resonate through time. The cat, a creature often associated with mystery and independence, frames a scene reminiscent of both a domestic space and a dreamscape. Notice the horseshoe above the central image, traditionally a symbol of luck and protection. It echoes across cultures, from ancient Greece to modern-day talismans. Here, it’s adorned with what appear to be celestial bodies, blurring the line between earthly fortune and cosmic forces. Look at how Aksinin places this ancient emblem within a decidedly modern, almost surreal setting. The cat itself, a figure of both comfort and the uncanny, reflects our complex relationship with the animal world. We see feline figures in ancient Egyptian art, revered as gods, and in European folklore, often linked to witchcraft. In Maksymka's bookplate, the cat perhaps represents the intimate connection between the reader and the world of stories. The power of symbols lies in their ability to evoke deep, often subconscious responses. Aksinin’s work reminds us that these symbols are not static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into the present.