Between heaven and earth: the city in the paintings of Moscow artists of the 20th – 21st centuries

Abstract

This article is devoted to typology and characteristics of cities representation in modern Moscow art. It is noted that major discoveries in modern landscape art are linked not to natural, but urban landscape and its’ various modifications, both of which are based on concept of city as multidimensional whole. Changes in interpretation of city views are based on opinions of various generations: senior (artists, that started their creative journey in 1970–1980) and younger generation – who are currently in their 30s. Based on examples of works of six artists, this article presents various interpretations of city theme, which are typical for both artistic generations: firstly, city view as reflection of historical memory; secondly, research of “social organism” of the city. In general city landscape art of 20th – 21st centuries not only presents the city view to spectator, but also conveys the concept of existential well-being of individual and society as the whole. In accordance to the specific approach, the art-form language of modern artists differs as well. Perspective, outlined in the article as well as reviewed examples of Moscow art allows the reader to see changes as of art generations as shifts in the meanings, figurative accents and methods of their arrangement, which can be traced in interpretation and transformation in the image of the city.