Both the paintings by Ivan Petrovich Popov and the books and movies by Vasily Makarovich Shukshin are a heartfelt and sincere tribute to their native land — the Altai region and the village of Srostki. Each episode is important in the chain of memories that makes it possible to reconstruct the events that took place after the Great Patriotic War. Through their art, one can see, feel, and understand what was important in the outlook on life shared by the two cousins.

Ivan Popov painted “Haymaking in Kuchugury” in 1960. In this painting, he reflected on the heart-touching memories of his difficult but happy childhood. In summer, the entire village was engaged in haymaking. Children also helped out a lot during this process. Ivan Popov recalled, “During the haymaking season, we would transport stacks of hay. It was hot. We were always looking forward to lunch. We were allowed to take the horses to the watering place at the Katun River. The horses needed no guidance, they would simply run to the water. On our way, we would race each other, especially in the village.“

In “The Very First Memories”, Vasily Shukshin also described the haymaking season,

In his painting “Haymaking in Kuchugury”, Ivan Popov also explored the theme of the beginning of life and the dawn. He wrote in his autobiography,