“Art is the imposition of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is the recognition of that pattern.”
— Alfred North Whitehead (British philosopher and mathematician, 1861–1947)
In the painting series “Red Sailors,” Alexander Zhernokluev merges the academic traditions of the Russian realist school with the decorative techniques of modernist art. He places voluminous, textured figures against a pure white or flat red canvas. The striking red generates energy, passion, and joy. The white background and gilded elements of sailor symbolism elevate the dancing sailors to a state of absolute triumph.
In the “Patterns” project, the artist employs stencils — repeating motif elements used as a compositional device to set the artwork’s rhythm.
The sailors cut loose, fool around, soar into euphoria or fall into contemplation; they dwell fully in their emotions and become symbols of feeling against a clean, sterile backdrop. Yet they remain highly realistic and reflect traditional imagery in Russian painting.
Alexander Zhernokluev served three years in the Baltic Fleet before “stepping” from deck to canvas. The grotesque sailor figures appeared early in his career and over time evolved into the riotous red merrymakers that have become a trademark of his work.
— Alfred North Whitehead (British philosopher and mathematician, 1861–1947)
In the painting series “Red Sailors,” Alexander Zhernokluev merges the academic traditions of the Russian realist school with the decorative techniques of modernist art. He places voluminous, textured figures against a pure white or flat red canvas. The striking red generates energy, passion, and joy. The white background and gilded elements of sailor symbolism elevate the dancing sailors to a state of absolute triumph.
In the “Patterns” project, the artist employs stencils — repeating motif elements used as a compositional device to set the artwork’s rhythm.
The sailors cut loose, fool around, soar into euphoria or fall into contemplation; they dwell fully in their emotions and become symbols of feeling against a clean, sterile backdrop. Yet they remain highly realistic and reflect traditional imagery in Russian painting.
Alexander Zhernokluev served three years in the Baltic Fleet before “stepping” from deck to canvas. The grotesque sailor figures appeared early in his career and over time evolved into the riotous red merrymakers that have become a trademark of his work.