Sketch for a Mural

The sketch is a project for a mural depicting technological achievements in the USSR and, above all, space exploration as a practical embodiment of the philosophical concept of cosmism. The approach to composition is distinctly influenced by monumental sacred art, reflected in the construction of the hierarchy of objects and the development of colour and tonal accents. The entire vertical of the composition is divided into three sections. In the central part, where the tholobate with a dome was supposed to be located in sacred architecture, there is a stylised depiction of the globe surrounded by a kind of light wreath, which also has distinct parallels with the concept of temple design. Above the image of the Earth is a full-length figure of an astronaut raising his right hand. This welcoming gesture iconographically echoes the gesture of blessing in Christian art. The background against which the figure of the astronaut is placed is partly abstract. However, stylised stars suggest that this figure in a spacesuit is captured against a stellar sky, but with such close intensity of radiance and proximity of these celestial bodies that are only possible in outer space. To the left of the central piece, there is a simultaneous combination of a rocket launch scene with distinctive light effects in the lower part. Above it, in the upper section, there is an image from space showing the manned section of a rocket module with a figure of a cosmonaut sitting at the control panel. To the right of the central part of the composition, in the lower section, a technological object is depicted, presumably associated with the rocket launch. Above it, in a separate section, there is a stylised group of people who cannot be identified by their clothing or other characteristics. This group of ten people may represent the forefront of a festive (welcoming) demonstration, followed by flags and/or slogans on large horizontal red banners (this is difficult to confirm given the lack of relevant textual inscriptions). Given the complex and rather solemn colouring combining warm and cool tones with expressive accents, a grand visual was created. Within this image, following principles close to hagiographic icons with its marginal scenes, there is an expanded description of the feat of human space exploration. Undoubtedly, this theme is central to the scientific and futuristic concept of cosmism.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery