Editorial

Dear Readers!

This is the tenth time we have convened to celebrate the New Year, the wonderful and kind holiday. We extend our congratulations to you and all of our authors, both those who are new to us and those who have previously contributed articles exploring the rich artistic heritage of the vast Eurasian continent. We extend our warmest wishes to all those who have collaborated with our journal, and we wish them continued prosperity and strength in the face of adversity. in times of difficulty, It is important to persevere and maintain a belief in the best outcome. This is a lesson that has been learned throughout history and will continue to be relevant in the future.

Over the course of its existence, the journal has published in excess of 900 articles, disseminating the work of hundreds of authors not only within Russia but also beyond its borders. It has also been included in the list of leading peer-reviewed scientific publications recommended by the Higher Attestation Commission of the Russian Federation for the publication of scientific results of dissertations. the academic value of the published articles is acknowledged, and the work of the editorial board is in accordance with the high standards of scientific publishing.

Our objective is the advancement of theoretical and practical research in the theory and history of fine and decorative-applied arts, design and architecture in the Eurasian space. the study of remarkable masters and their works is not only interesting, but also has the potential to unite people.

This edition of the journal is dedicated to the oldest museum in Siberia — Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel. We extend our felicitations to our colleagues on the centenary of the museum and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the field of research, which are showcased in the “Forum” section of this journal. It seems reasonable to posit that the remarkable collection of art at the Museum named after M.A. Vrubel will continue to expand, that new discoveries await the staff, and that the audience will experience the delight and joy of encountering wonderful works of art on more than one occasion. the publications in this section of the journal demonstrate a careful, accurate look at each work of art. Whether It is a painting, a graphic design, or even a mantel clock, the art historian discerns the presence of a significant underlying detail, a quality that demands to be documented and elucidated. This process not only expands the boundaries of knowledge but also elicits a response and a sense of empathy from the reader and the viewer.

On more than one occasion, we have published articles on Christian art and even devoted entire issues to it. in continuation of this tradition, we present two articles in the section “Eurasian Heritage” about the remarkable art of Old Believers from Belarus and about modern monumental, powerful-sounding, breathtaking complexes of murals in modern Christian churches in Russia and Serbia.

The section entitled “Art of the 20th – 21st centuries” proved to be remarkably diverse in terms of both geographical scope and temporal coverage. From Crimea to Mongolia, readers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, following the articles of our esteemed authors. They will have the opportunity to gain insights into the lives and works of emerging artists and renowned masters, as well as to reflect on the contributions of those who, despite the challenges they faced, established artistic traditions and mentored numerous disciples.

There are amazing centres of art on the map of our country, and one of them is the Dulevsky Porcelain Factory. the factory has been in operation for 190 years, during which time It has produced a vast array of exquisite porcelain items, including tea and coffee sets, as well as numerous other products. These items have been passed down through generations, becoming heirlooms in many families. Our journal can attest to the enduring quality and aesthetic appeal of these pieces, which continue to be admired and collected to this day.

This autumn, visitors to the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia were afforded the opportunity to view a selection of masterpieces from the Hermitage's esteemed Buddhist collection. the exhibition, entitled “Perfection of Tradition: works of Buddhist Buryat art from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum (13th – early 20th centuries)”, once again highlighted the exceptional nature of this museum's collection, which is of global significance. the decision to hold the exhibition in one of the centres of Buddhism in Russia, Buryatia, is to be commended. It was in this region that archaeologists were previously able to locate, examine and, when necessary, restore the works of Buddhist art masters. in the distinctive spiritual setting of the centre of Buddhism, these works have now revealed themselves with particular potency. the article about this exhibition can be found in the section “In storerooms and expositions of museums and art galleries”.

Artworks have a special mission, and many artists feel it. Some masters were able to leave vivid and memorable statements that continue to resonate in our current context of uncertainty and high tension. the words of the remarkable Russian artist K.S. Petrov-Vodkin are a case in point: “Painting is not fun, not entertainment... It is able in some yet unknown to me way to clear the rubbish of human life, to crystallise the will and disarm the bad social relationships”.