Ivan Mikhailovich Yamberdov is an Honored Artist of Russia, Honored Artist of the Republic, and laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Mari El. He has taken part in All-Union, All-Russian, interrepublican and foreign art exhibitions, including the exhibitions “The Mari Land”. The artist studied at the Yoshkar-Ola Art College and the Surikov Moscow State Academic Institute. As a college student, Ivan Mikhailovich stood out among his classmates with his special manner of painting, a subtle sense of color and great diligence.
Ivan Mikhailovich was profoundly inspired by his native Mari land. At the beginning of his career, he worked in the socialist realism style, and later features of national symbolism became more prominent in his art.
Being well-acquainted with the national epic and culture, he has found his own themes and plots and in a short time has become a bright, original artist. It is important for the artist to preserve the traditions and customs, the entire Mari culture. Memories from his personal life and trips to his native village were the impetus behind the creation of works on the village theme: “Autumn in Karamas” (1979), “Oaks” (1981), “Native Land” (1981–1983), “Horse Yard” (1989) and many others.
The canvas “A Festive Day in Karamas” invites viewers to become participants in the traditional Mari wedding ceremony — the arrival of the wedding train. The picture is distinguished by a multi-figure composition. The wedding procession approaches from the depths of the village street. Three carts with women in national Mari costumes follow each other. The collar of the horse closest to the viewer is decorated with ribbons. On the left and right, in the foreground, villagers welcome the guests. Groups of greeters are depicted both in detail and in a less realistic manner. The emphasis is placed on the figure of a young musician with a drum on his shoulder. His figure is as close to the viewer as possible; he is depicted from the back, turning his head and glancing at the viewer. In the foreground on the left and right are groups of women portrayed in full length, with a calm expression on their faces. Children’s figures are highlighted among the adults: a boy on the right in front of the musician and girls on the left. The bright color palette conveys a festive atmosphere.
Ivan Mikhailovich was profoundly inspired by his native Mari land. At the beginning of his career, he worked in the socialist realism style, and later features of national symbolism became more prominent in his art.
Being well-acquainted with the national epic and culture, he has found his own themes and plots and in a short time has become a bright, original artist. It is important for the artist to preserve the traditions and customs, the entire Mari culture. Memories from his personal life and trips to his native village were the impetus behind the creation of works on the village theme: “Autumn in Karamas” (1979), “Oaks” (1981), “Native Land” (1981–1983), “Horse Yard” (1989) and many others.
The canvas “A Festive Day in Karamas” invites viewers to become participants in the traditional Mari wedding ceremony — the arrival of the wedding train. The picture is distinguished by a multi-figure composition. The wedding procession approaches from the depths of the village street. Three carts with women in national Mari costumes follow each other. The collar of the horse closest to the viewer is decorated with ribbons. On the left and right, in the foreground, villagers welcome the guests. Groups of greeters are depicted both in detail and in a less realistic manner. The emphasis is placed on the figure of a young musician with a drum on his shoulder. His figure is as close to the viewer as possible; he is depicted from the back, turning his head and glancing at the viewer. In the foreground on the left and right are groups of women portrayed in full length, with a calm expression on their faces. Children’s figures are highlighted among the adults: a boy on the right in front of the musician and girls on the left. The bright color palette conveys a festive atmosphere.
