Ventus textilis 2015

Editor: This oil painting, “Ventus textilis,” was created in 2015 by Andrey Remnev. It reminds me of Klimt in its colors and figures. There’s such a stillness, like figures in a tapestry. How do you interpret this work? Curator: That’s a very astute initial reaction! Looking at Remnev's work through a historical lens, I see him engaging with a revival of Symbolism that began in the late 20th century. Think about the pre-Raphaelites – are you familiar with them? – and their focus on mythological narratives and detailed depictions of nature. Editor: Yes, vaguely. Curator: Consider how they, like Remnev, were pushing back against the dominant artistic trends of their time, which at that time was early industrial realism. What societal message do you think "Ventus textilis" might convey through its emphasis on detail, stillness, and a rather unrealistic pictorial style? Editor: Well, maybe it’s about resisting the quick pace and materialism of our world today by finding peace in simple beauty. Also the repeated figures look a bit unsettling in today’s modern, fast-paced context. Curator: Precisely! Remnev creates a world of visual pleasure. Yet he sets up these repeating characters, perhaps nodding at the social uniformity within traditional crafts and society? This evokes complex reactions by employing recognizable symbols for both historical and contemporary audiences. What do you think the role of the institution - such as a museum – plays in amplifying these ideas for the public? Editor: I guess museums give these messages importance and make them worth contemplating in today's society. I never really considered it that way, as something reflecting social issues too.