Illustration for The Ural Tales 

Vyacheslav Nazaruk created this illustration for *The Ural Tales*, a collection deeply rooted in Russian folklore. These tales, emerging from the Ural region, carry a profound connection to the land and its people. Nazaruk’s illustration shows a couple amidst a snow-laden forest. The man, in working attire, is paired with a woman cloaked in traditional dress. Their somber expressions and close proximity evoke a sense of shared hardship, while in the background figures playing accordions are visible. In the context of Russian folklore, the winter setting symbolizes both the harshness of life and the resilience required to endure. The Ural tales often explore themes of identity, community, and the struggle against adversity. As cultural narratives passed down through generations, they offer insights into the social and emotional lives of the people who shaped them. Through his art, Nazaruk invites us to connect with these stories on a deeply personal level, reminding us of the enduring power of folklore to reflect and shape our collective identity.