Landscape 1983

Hryhorii Havrylenko painted this landscape with bold strokes, capturing a scene dominated by verdant vegetation. Above, the sky is punctuated by cloud-like shapes and two distinct red orbs. The motif of a red orb in the sky is fascinating. One is inclined to view the symbol as a displaced, perhaps even corrupted, sun. In ancient times, the sun symbolized life, energy, and clarity; we only have to think of Mithras, Sol Invictus, or Apollo. However, it has reappeared across cultures, sometimes carrying ominous undertones. Think of the apocalyptic skies described in medieval texts, or even the red skies associated with industrial pollution in the modern era. Such symbolism engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, as the collective memory of the sun’s life-giving energy is juxtaposed with darker associations. The presence of the second red orb disrupts the traditional harmony of nature, evoking a sense of unease. As a potent symbol, the red sun reveals a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing across time and evolving with different cultural meanings.