Artwork description:

№Varv 220

The painting "Portrait of the Guru" presents a striking and thought-provoking composition featuring a chimpanzee holding a large paper airplane with a calm and contemplative expression. The intricate details of the chimpanzee’s face, with its wise and almost human-like gaze, create an immediate connection with the viewer. The contrast between the intelligence in its eyes and the childlike simplicity of the paper airplane evokes deep emotions, blending innocence with wisdom, curiosity with experience. The artist masterfully employs a monochromatic blue background, which is subtly textured, resembling an abstract sky filled with floating paper airplanes. This background creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, reinforcing the painting’s themes of exploration, thought, and imagination. The choice of cool tones enhances the contrast with the warm, earthy colors of the chimpanzee’s fur, drawing attention to the central figure. The chimpanzee itself is painted with extraordinary realism, showcasing every detail of its fur, hands, and facial features. The artist’s brushstrokes capture the texture of the thick hair and the delicate structure of the animal’s hands, emphasizing its dexterity and intelligence. The chimpanzee’s fingers gently hold the paper airplane, as if about to release it into the unknown. This action suggests a symbolic journey—a release of ideas, dreams, or perhaps a longing for freedom. One of the most compelling elements of the painting is the expression on the chimpanzee’s face. Its eyes seem to hold a deep understanding, as if it is reflecting on the meaning of its actions. The slight tilt of the head, the soft but firm grip on the paper airplane, and the almost human-like posture give the impression that this is not just an animal, but a being filled with thought, wisdom, and a quiet sense of purpose. The paper airplane itself is meticulously rendered, with crisp folds and subtle shading that give it a three-dimensional presence. The artist’s decision to use a lined-paper texture adds an element of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood creativity and the simple joy of folding and flying paper planes. This contrast between the organic form of the chimpanzee and the geometric precision of the paper airplane enhances the painting’s conceptual depth.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Portrait of the Guru"
* ARTISTS: Anatoly Varvarov
* SIZE: 140x140 cm/'55.11x55.11 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: Photos provide accurate information about the product.

About the artist: Varvarov Anatoly Viktorovich

He was born on February 12, 1967 in Kremenchuk, Poltava region.

He graduated from Dnepropetrovsk Art School. EV Vuchetich (1983-1987)

National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture - (1990-1996)

Member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine. He received the category of artist-restorer of easel painting (1999).

A. Varvarov is one of the members of the art commune "Squat on Olehivska", which emerged in the early 90's. The association was a non-profit view of art and demonstrated an innovative approach to the interpretation of contemporary processes in society. Artists did not limit themselves to the walls of galleries and museums and became known for their social actions. Performance installations and flash mobs

Lives and works in Kyiv.

The works are in UKM Uue Kunsti Muuseum | MONA The Museum of New Art, Dnipro Art Museum, CSM M17, National Art Gallery of Ukraine, collections of galleries "Soviart", "AVS ART", "RA", "Vernissage", and private collections of Ukraine, England, Austria, USA, Germany , Canada, Italy, Chile, China, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia.

Materials used:

oil

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