Swans Have Arrived!
‘The spell will lose its power if a young man, who has never before pledged his love to anyone, falls in love with her and remains faithful to her...’
(Modest Tchaikovsky, ‘Libretto for the ballet “Swan Lake”’) ...▷
At night, the entrance to Moscow State University’s Botanical Garden, ‘Aptekarsky Ogorod’, is closed
Swans Have Arrived!
Kinetic sculpture
The Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University "THE APOTHECARIES' GARDEN"
Mixed materials
2018
The Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University "THE APOTHECARIES' GARDEN"
Mixed materials
2018
Concept
Konstantin Grouss
Site - The Apothecaries' Garden - The Botanical Garden of Moscow State University
Location - old lake
Ars Hortus Festival
Four figures of ballerinas in tutus are arranged on the surface of an old pond. The composition is poetically linked to 'Swan Lake' and blends into the setting of the botanical garden, echoing its name—the Apothecary Garden.
The figures are crafted from found materials and dressed in classic ballet tutus from the famous “Grishko” brand: a romantic swan crossed with a garden scarecrow. The figures possess a light, almost imperceptible dynamism created by the effects of water and wind.
They have stood on the pond for four seasons.
Materials used -
Konstantin Grouss
Site - The Apothecaries' Garden - The Botanical Garden of Moscow State University
Location - old lake
Ars Hortus Festival
Four figures of ballerinas in tutus are arranged on the surface of an old pond. The composition is poetically linked to 'Swan Lake' and blends into the setting of the botanical garden, echoing its name—the Apothecary Garden.
The figures are crafted from found materials and dressed in classic ballet tutus from the famous “Grishko” brand: a romantic swan crossed with a garden scarecrow. The figures possess a light, almost imperceptible dynamism created by the effects of water and wind.
They have stood on the pond for four seasons.
Materials used -
- Metal fittings
- Plastic pipes
- Rough fabric - burlap
- Lightweight artificial filler
- Classic ballerina costume - tutu, pointe shoes
- Underwater base - concrete, metal
Sculpture
Dance in dynamic statics
Sculpture is a logical continuation of the dance, the opportunity to give it existence in another time and dimension.
In my approach to working with static form, a kinetic element is essential, as it conveys a sense of change and a connection to the present moment
Sculpture is a logical continuation of the dance, the opportunity to give it existence in another time and dimension.
In my approach to working with static form, a kinetic element is essential, as it conveys a sense of change and a connection to the present moment
Variations
As it happened, the sculpture was created in two variations during the course of a single exhibition.
Variation 1 remained on the lake for three weeks and, in a tragic echo of the famous ballet, was destroyed during a storm and a torrential downpour. It was both sad and symbolic.
The floating figures were reminiscent of Ophelia’s tragedy.
I decided that our fairy tale would have a happy ending, and over the course of the following month I created Variation 2. This was an entirely new composition, which remained on the lake for four seasons.
Variation 1 remained on the lake for three weeks and, in a tragic echo of the famous ballet, was destroyed during a storm and a torrential downpour. It was both sad and symbolic.
The floating figures were reminiscent of Ophelia’s tragedy.
I decided that our fairy tale would have a happy ending, and over the course of the following month I created Variation 2. This was an entirely new composition, which remained on the lake for four seasons.
Photo
Variation 1
Sculpture "Swans Have Arrived!"
Photo
Variation 2
Sculpture "Swans Have Arrived!"
Video
Variation 1
Variation 1
Swans Have Arrived!
Video documentary
Video documentary
Curiosity about life in all its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.
Swans Have Arrived!
The Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University "THE APOTHECARIES' GARDEN"
2018
2018