Gimn of Poseidon 2016

Arsen Savadov created 'Gimn of Poseidon', a painting that invites us into a world where mythology meets contemporary anxieties. Savadov emerged as an artist during the collapse of the Soviet Union. His work often grapples with the reshaping of identity in a post-Soviet world. Here, the mythical Poseidon's realm is reimagined through a lens of cultural and political upheaval. Three women sit inside what seems to be the jaws of a monster. They appear melancholic, draped in classical-style dresses, embodying a sense of loss. This can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of cultural certainties. The ships sailing in the background have Soviet flags on them. It is a clear indication of Savadov's commentary on the USSR's decline and the reshaping of national identity. Savadov once said, "I am interested in the intersection of different cultures, of different times." This intersection is evident as he blends classical motifs with symbols of Soviet history, creating a dreamlike, unsettling narrative. 'Gimn of Poseidon' compels us to reflect on the complexities of identity, history, and the shifting sands of cultural memory.