Wood is a natural element and, we may call it pagan. No wonder that it was Russia that made wooden sculptures popular and fashionable in the beginning of the twentieth century. Sergei Konenkov became a pioneer and these are his works that open a new exhibition in the Tretyakov gallery.
The revolution of 1905 inspired the outstanding Soviet sculptor Sergei Konenkov (1874-1971) to create not only figures of workers and soldiers but also sculptures of pagan deities. A furious-looking old man (STRIBOG, 1910) personified the wind element in ancient Russia. This idol is possessed with enormous hands and legs, horns on his shoulders. At the entrance he is almost scanning all the visitors, who have come to this unusual exposition. Wood was a very popular material till 1930s, when officious marble of Stalin’s epoch replaced it. Wood regained its rights after the crashing of the Soviet Union.
The exhibition of wooden sculptures is open till 17th of September.
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