The image of the world in Altai graphics: ethnoarchaism in contemporary art

Abstract

Altai folklore constitutes a complex of narratives, largely based on myths and legends, which are reflected in the heritage of a number of artists of the second half of the 20th — early 21st century. The theme of the influence of the semantics of ritual objects and texts on the graphic art of Altai is a topic which has yet to be exhausted in art history, with contemporary artists continuing to quote motifs that have already become traditional in their works. The present article aims to analyse and interpret images of the world in contemporary graphics of Altai, focusing on the reception of the symbolism of ritual objects, texts and mythological images presented in works of fine art, which are usually referred to the ethnoarchaic (or neoarchaic, archaeoart, metahistorical expressionism) trend. The analysis reveals that the borrowing is manifested in the semantics and stylistics of the works, as evidenced by the images of the universe divided into structures where “guides” between the worlds — wood, ail, fire — are present. Additionally, the images of the World Tree and the Khan Altai reference the representations of the world of spirits and the heroic epic. The works, which incorporate elements of mythology, are distinguished by common features analogous to the characteristics of artefacts of primitive art and culture, expressed in linear construction, predominance of rounded plasticity, different scale of figures, non-compliance with the laws of linear perspective, combination of real and imaginary objects. The influence of Altai tambourine drawings can be traced in the schematic representation of the world, monochrome colouring, and the combination of the sun and the moon in the structure of the upper world. Decorative forms contribute to conveying the idea of the interconnection of man and the cosmos. The images of Altai graphic artists' works correlate with mythology and epic, revealing the connection of the three worlds and the victory of good over evil. The study of mythological images and ethnocultural archetypes in the contemporary fine arts of Altai allows us to understand the specifics of the artistic embodiment of mythological representations and their influence on the organisation of artistic space, to analyse the works of masters more deeply, and, finally, to preserve the identity and integrity of national culture.