Blacksmiths of Modernity

 

Zubchenko, Halyna. Pryshedko, Hryhorii. Blacksmiths of Modernity. 1974, Institute for Nuclear Research, Kyiv.

Blacksmiths of Modernity is a Soviet-era mosaic located outside of the Institute for Nuclear Research, Ukraine, Kyiv. Like most mosaics from this period, it is made of smalto. When examined further, viewers can see the small pieces of glass populating the wall. Thus creating a 3D piece with multiple layers. The piece itself depicts two well-built men pushing rays of light into an orb that centers the pieces. The man on the right cups the orb with a free hand, studying it intently. In contrast, the man on the left focuses on the task at hand. Furthermore, while the color does vary from photo to photo it is supposed to be highly saturated. This goes back to the soviet area when those in power wanted to brighten up the bland and lifeless landscapes. So, this piece utilizes a mostly triadic color palette. A deep blood orange is used for the men and the orb, while blues, yellows, and greens are used to highlight the sheer power the orb appears to have. In addition, the composition forces the eye onto the orb, with the bright rays pointing down to it. The bright rays also lead the eye to the two men who stick out even more due to having the darkest values. The geometric shapes and patterns circling both figures and the orb really pull the composition together


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