The surname "Vasnetsov" is linked to a great dynasty of artists — Viktor Vasnetsov, Apollinary, Andrei… This year, Andrei Vasnetsov would have turned 100 years old. At the Russian Academy of Arts, his name is held in great reverence by colleagues. To commemorate this significant anniversary, they decided to host a large exhibition of his diverse works titled "The Spaces of Andrei Vasnetsov." In addition to paintings and graphics, sketches and monumental paintings are also on display.
Let’s focus on the last two, which we find the most intriguing, as they truly recreate the feeling of the artist's "spaces." There are indeed many sketches here. Among the drafts from various years lies a kaleidoscope of themes — a mother dog with her puppy, depictions of landscapes of old Moscow, everyday sketches of people in interiors… Not a single line is random; each one is deliberate and carries deep meaning. According to colleagues' memories, his studio always had a working atmosphere — so much so that sketches were often scattered across the floor. Guests would walk over them, sometimes even stepping on them. Many would ask, why not gather the sketches and remove them from the floor to prevent them from being trampled? After all, these are works… To which Andrei Vladimirovich would always suggest stepping on the drawings even harder, to leave his own mark in time: who knows, perhaps these sketches will someday become important and necessary for someone?
The masterpieces of Vasnetsov's monumental painting, of course, could not be transported to the halls of the RAH — they are simply too large. However, it is impossible to completely overlook such a significant contribution to the artist's creative biography. Several stands are dedicated to the artistic elements in architecture that Andrei Vasnetsov created for the enjoyment of his fellow citizens. The most popular example of this is the building of the MKhAT named after M. Gorky on Tverskoy Boulevard, which stands in stark contrast to its neighbors along the boulevard. The style is entirely different, as it was built in the 1970s rather than the 19th century. In addition to the stylistic contrast, the theater is distinguished by its decorative lanterns on the pilasters. Vasnetsov himself spoke about monumental art as follows: "…I believe that working in the living environment of people, shaping that environment, and creating works that are always before the eyes of numerous viewers cannot be characterized as secondary…". Indeed, while strolling along the pre-New Year decorated Tverskoy Boulevard, it’s worth lifting your gaze to admire the unique and whimsical lanterns that invite you to visit the theater.
To continue the journey through Vasnetsov's landmarks in Moscow, one can head to Novy Arbat. Another artistic masterpiece by Andrei Vasnetsov adorns the attic of the "Oktyabr" cinema, although this work was created in collaboration with Soviet painters Nikolai Andronov and Viktor Elkonin.
At the vernissage, students and followers of Andrei Vasnetsov were present — they also left their creative mark on the exhibition — in the last hall, the works of the students are positioned directly opposite those of the Master, as if he reflected in his students…