National motifs developed actively in the works of Mordovian artists in the second half of the 20th century. The rich and original culture of the Moksha and Erzya was also a source of inspiration for the painter Alexander Alexandrovich Rodionov. He studied at the Moscow Architectural Institute and later graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture named after Ilya Repin of the Academy of Arts of the USSR. After graduation he lived and worked in Vladimir, which affected his work: his ideas about art were close to those of the Vladimir school, his paintings are very decorative.
In 1961, Alexander Rodionov received an invitation from the Union of Artists of Mordovia and moved with his family to Saransk. He fell in love with Mordovian culture and actively used national motifs in his works. The main theme of his works in the 1970s was the modern life of the Mordovian village, both its daily routine and celebrations. Alexander Rodionov recreated majestic, typified images of the toilers of the village in his painting “Festive Day”.
The high line of the horizon shows a winter panorama of the village with two groups of local residents in the background. In the foreground are four women in bright scarves, red skirts, and black fur coats. In the background is a large group of women in brightly colored scarves. Their costumes suggest that these are girls from a Moksha village. The girls are wearing traditional Moksha dresses with yoke and long sleeves, pleated on the shoulders, and ruffles on the hem, which was common in Mordovia since the early 20th century. The artist lovingly creates a multi-figure composition of two groups of women.
The contrast of black, white, red, and reddish tones emphasizes the decorative nature and special coloring of the painting, which refers the viewer to the colors of the Mordovian costume.
The colors of the painting are rich and full, which is one of the distinctive features of the artist. The freshness and uniqueness of the canvas is enhanced by vigorous and sweeping brushstrokes. Using the impasto style of brushstroke, the artist sets the specific rhythm of the work.
In his paintings, Alexander Rodinov glorifies the Mordovian land, its people and culture in a special manner. They brightly reflected the national identity and rich spiritual background of the Mordovian people.
In 1961, Alexander Rodionov received an invitation from the Union of Artists of Mordovia and moved with his family to Saransk. He fell in love with Mordovian culture and actively used national motifs in his works. The main theme of his works in the 1970s was the modern life of the Mordovian village, both its daily routine and celebrations. Alexander Rodionov recreated majestic, typified images of the toilers of the village in his painting “Festive Day”.
The high line of the horizon shows a winter panorama of the village with two groups of local residents in the background. In the foreground are four women in bright scarves, red skirts, and black fur coats. In the background is a large group of women in brightly colored scarves. Their costumes suggest that these are girls from a Moksha village. The girls are wearing traditional Moksha dresses with yoke and long sleeves, pleated on the shoulders, and ruffles on the hem, which was common in Mordovia since the early 20th century. The artist lovingly creates a multi-figure composition of two groups of women.
The contrast of black, white, red, and reddish tones emphasizes the decorative nature and special coloring of the painting, which refers the viewer to the colors of the Mordovian costume.
The colors of the painting are rich and full, which is one of the distinctive features of the artist. The freshness and uniqueness of the canvas is enhanced by vigorous and sweeping brushstrokes. Using the impasto style of brushstroke, the artist sets the specific rhythm of the work.
In his paintings, Alexander Rodinov glorifies the Mordovian land, its people and culture in a special manner. They brightly reflected the national identity and rich spiritual background of the Mordovian people.
