Western 1989

Vasiliy Ryabchenko created this mixed media artwork titled "Western", which presents a complex interplay of figurative elements and abstract forms. The standing figures bear resemblance to the classical sculptures, while the crude drawing of a figure on top carries a potent, talismanic quality. This juxtaposition invites us to explore the evolution of symbols and their underlying psychological resonance. Consider the simplified figure reminiscent of ancient, protective icons, echoing the need for safety. In ancient cultures, similar figures were seen as guardians, their presence intended to ward off harm. Here, its inclusion evokes deep-seated, almost primal emotions connected to protection and fear, a theme that surfaces across millennia. Ryabchenko masterfully engages our subconscious, reminding us that these primal impulses, though transformed, remain a powerful part of our shared human experience. The artist presents us with the notion of cultural memory—a reminder of how symbols persist, their meanings fluid, yet their emotional core enduring.