The personality of the artist in the mirror of creativity

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the exhibition “Mikhail Verkholantsev. Woodcuts” at  the Irbit State Museum of Fine Arts. The retrospective exposition includes 132 engravings created between 1970 and 2018. These are illustrations of prints and easel engravings, including ex-libris. The article provides information about the artist’s biography and key points in the formation of his creative manner. The author notes the expression of  movements, the inner strength of the images, the deep cultural foundation, musicality, decorativeness and careful elaboration of the background as the distinguishing features of  graphics by M. Verkholantsev. The plots, motifs and images of the master have rich symbolism based on extensive knowledge of mythology, literature, history, music. The  aesthetics of the late Renaissance and mannerism are close to the author's style. A special place in the exposition is reserved for the Artist's book “Virtues and Vices”, where contrast, drama and inner expression dominate.