New mythical imagination: the revival archetypes in the work of D.D. Kaminker

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the role of myth in modern Russian art using the example of the work of the well-known sculptor Dmitry Davydovich Kaminker, in whose works the problems of the functioning of myth in society and culture occupy a significant place. Pointing to the defining role of myth as a key mechanism that determines the actions of mass consciousness in the global social and cultural life of the 20th century, the author poses a problem that is relevant for the creative practice of contemporary artists: overcoming the repressive nature that myth takes on in this era. The study consistently examines the artist's key projects in which mythical imagination is manifested. Particular attention is paid to how these elements of various mythological systems echo the cultural and social realities of our time, creating multi-layered narratives that reflect the complexity of modern existence. Characteristic of Kaminker's creative method is working in series, united by a single concept in artistic projects that include elements of ritual, mystical action and sacralized theatricality. The author of the article analyses how D. Kaminker uses myth as a tool to explain human experience, allowing viewers to come into contact with universal themes such as love, suffering, the search for meaning and identity. Through archetypes and mythological subjects, the artist recreates a holistic picture of the modern world, inviting viewers to think about their place in it. It is concluded that myth in Kaminker's works not only enriches the artistic language, but also serves as an important means for understanding and interpreting current social and cultural issues, which makes his work a significant contribution to contemporary art.