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ANASTASIA
KUZNETSOVA-RUF
Gallery II
Do not miss! series
Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf's series, titled "Do not miss!" is a poignant reflection on life's fleeting, yet pivotal moments. Each person holds their own definition...
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...of "IMPORTANT," and fears missing these game-changing instants. In our pursuit of grand plans, we often overlook life's true essence, as the artist portrays.
Her works dissect social and psychological themes, shedding light on modern dilemmas. Through vivid imagery, she unravels the complexities of existence. From the seemingly impossible flight in "All Inclusive" to the symbolism of empty "Nets," her art is a mirror to our society's illusions.
"Fisherman" captures a proud moment, unaware of the hidden gold amidst ordinary catches. In "Hunting," a modern woman's pursuit of a wealthy partner is portrayed with precision. "Depths" symbolizes the Earth's abundance, intertwined with mankind's exploitative tendencies.
Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf's paintings transcend the canvas, offering a realm of light and air, a space above and beyond. The corporeality of her characters echoes ancient heroes, resonating with modern ideals of health and success. Bodies merge seamlessly with the surrounding space, signifying unity.
Through compositional finesse, Kuznetsova-Ruf imparts a sense of boundless expanse. Her color palette contrasts light and dark, drawing the viewer in. These paintings evoke a desire to dive into their depths, leaving societal problems behind, and finding solace in the canvas's embrace.
Irina Filatova.
Growth point series
Let's begin our exploration of this series with an excerpt from Isaak Brodsky's 1969 poem, "Winter Evening in Yalta".
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Halt, moment! You are not as beautiful, As you are unique.
The "Growth point" project comprises nine paintings, organized into three triptychs. Each painting serves as a parable, imparting instructive messages according to the artist's intent. Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf contemplates the pivotal moments in life, emphasizing their potential for shaping destinies.
She emphasizes the necessity of growth in various dimensions — spiritual, psychological, and creative. "Growth point" is not a standstill, but rather a focused attention on the ongoing process of progress and enhancement. The artist acknowledges that, after a certain point of personal development, some individuals may halt, while others continue to explore new depths and expanses. For some, this transformation occurs suddenly, even in adulthood.
Once we reach a particular "point of growth," altering the past becomes futile. However, there's always room to expand one's knowledge, see beyond conventional boundaries, discard preconceptions, and rely on one's own judgment, rather than following the crowd. This journey invariably commences with oneself.
Comparing Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf's recent works to her 2013 project, "Do not miss," one can observe the evolution in her artistic direction. The palette and stylistic approach have notably evolved. While her earlier works exude a space filled with light and air, the newer pieces explore a richer spectrum, with more emphasis on color.
One canvas, "Attachments" (part of the "Hair" triptych), links the past and present, depicting a contemporary scene of motherhood intertwined with technology. This piece showcases a mother and child, connected by the daughter's long hair, highlighting the evolving dynamics of modern life.
The recollections of childhood are vividly portrayed in Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf's paintings. From the hopeful sprouts in "While growing" to the bittersweet reality of "Late supper," the artist encourages living in the present rather than dwelling on the past. A powerful message emerges from her depiction of Peter Bruegel's "Dutch Proverbs" in shades of gray and black in "Collector," cautioning against being ensnared by a limited perspective.
Kuznetsova-Ruf's exploration of water-themed paintings like "Whale," "Depth of field," and "Underwater currents" employs a subdued palette of gray and black. This transformation in her artistic style showcases a new facet of Anastasia Kuznetsova-Ruf's creativity — an evolution that provokes curiosity and contemplation. What's next? That remains to be seen, but it's sure to be captivating.
Irina Filatova.