IvAn LubEnnikov is a modern monumental artist and painter, co-designer of the unconventional Mayakovsky Museum, creator of the interior of the Mayakovskaya metro station lobby, and many other sites. The artist established himself in the 1980s and is a follower of the ‘severe style’ art movement. The masters who created it in the 1950-1960s rebelled against the hypocrisy of socialist realism and advocated a new, more sincere and at the same time lyrical approach to realistic art.

Lubennikov created ‘Plate of Cherries’ in the tumultuous PerestrOika era. The uneasy atmosphere of that time affected his artworks greatly. As if looking for support in the period of painful change in priorities, the artist turned to the timeless issue of relationships between men and women.

Two people are depicted in the canvas. He is a simple stocky hard worker. This character sits right in front of us, looking directly at the viewer. His companion looks soft and warm, making you feel at home. This image seems to dissolve in the dazzling light of the summer day. The man is leisurely eating cherries from a bowl. The woman’s dress also has a cherry pattern.

During that period, Lubennikov’s style was quite concise. The bright, even flamboyant color of the shirt and tanned face of the man contrasts with the white skin and delicate blush of the woman. However, this contrast brings them together, creating a sense of family happiness and unity.

Another feature of the artist’s style is the introduction of techniques typical for monumental decorative painting in easel painting. Lubennikov arranges the composition by combining contrasting elements. We can see this in “Plate of Cherries” with dark contours of the main characters standing out against the white background. At the same time, the artist manages to harmoniously combine the image with the literary plot component. In the artwork, he proves himself as a talented observer who can embrace other people’s feelings.