Christmas 1983

Oleksandr Aksinin made this artwork entitled 'Christmas'. The dark print depicts a radiant star and a couple who gaze at its light. The Star of Bethlehem symbolizes divine guidance, hope, and the fulfillment of prophecy, deeply rooted in Christian tradition. Yet, the symbol of a star transcends any single faith. Throughout history, stars have appeared in various cultural contexts, from ancient Babylonian astrology to the Enlightenment's fascination with celestial mechanics. In the Renaissance, for instance, the star motif symbolized not only divine grace but also intellectual enlightenment, appearing in emblems and allegories of knowledge. Consider how this symbol has morphed through time, carrying connotations of fate, destiny, and the human quest for understanding. Here, Aksinin uses the star to evoke a sense of spiritual awakening, an emotional beacon that subconsciously draws the viewer into a shared experience of hope and wonder.