No need to have a time machine in order to briefly move into the past. Films, books, music and, of course, painting help to cope with this task. Igor Ozhiganov’s paintings will help those who want to feel connected with the almost forgotten culture of their ancestors. This creator takes the plots for his works from the pages of Slavic and Scandinavian mythology. On his canvases come to life gods and heroes.
Igor Ozhiganov: biography of the painter
Unfortunately, little is known about this talented person. The date of its birth is January 3, 1975. From the biography of the artist Igor Ozhiganov it follows that he was born in the Republic of Mari El, or rather, in the city of Yoshkar-Ola. There he grew up, graduated from high school.
In 1992, Ozhiganov went to Togliatti to enter the Volga Technological Institute of Service. In 1997, he graduated from the Faculty of Industrial Design. Igor’s first job was the Volga Automobile Plant, where he worked for two years. He spent the next nine years in Moscow. Oziganov gained experience in various studios. Industrial, interior design, web design - what he just did not do!
In 2008, Igor returned to his native Yoshkar-Ola and joined the ranks of free artists. It is there that he now lives and works. Oziganov is married, has two children. He rarely gives interviews; he prefers to be judged by his work.
Creative activity
All the paintings of the artist Igor Ozhiganov, thanks to which he became famous, are subject to one theme. The Creator took upon himself an honorable duty. He considered it his duty to revive interest in the culture of distant ancestors. The characters of Slavic epics and fairy tales, the heroes of the Scandinavian sagas come to life on his works. It is as if he invites the audience to make an exciting journey into the past with him. The fiction in his works subtly echoes reality.
Pictures of Igor Ozhiganov from the series "Slavic World" have gained great popularity. Critics and fans appreciate the works of the creator for their powerful energy, inner strength. Also, one cannot fail to note the author’s amazing attention to detail. The artist devoted many years to the study of ancient sources, the study of the culture of the Slavs and Scandinavians. Everyone can enjoy the result of his efforts.
"Bereginya"
Famous "Slavic" paintings by Igor Ozhiganov deserve a more detailed consideration. One of them is called "Bereginya." So our ancestors called the good goddesses who protected people from evil spirits, had the ability to predict the future, took care of crops and rain for them. Beregini lived in water, rescued fishermen and swimmers from the wiles of kikimor, water and devils.
The central figure of the painting "Bereginya" is a fragile beautiful girl. Her long blonde hair is braided in a braid. She looks with care and love at the man crossing the river. Her hand rests on his boat, it is as if trying to help him, to direct him in the right and safe way.
"Water"
Watermark - a famous character in Slavic mythology. This spirit lives in water, is its owner and the embodiment of its negative and dangerous beginning. Traditionally, he is represented as a naked old man with a fish tail. One of the famous paintings by Igor Ozhiganov is dedicated to him.
This canvas depicts not only the hero of Slavic mythology, who looks according to his traditional description. You can also see the naked beauty, who is going to swim. The waterman is watching her stealthily and apparently is plotting something evil. Further development of events will tell the viewer's imagination.
"Ilya Muromets"
The painting "Ilya Muromets" is dedicated to the hero, who is known for fairy tales and epics. Together with associates Alesha Popovich and Dobrynya Nikitich, this hero performed many feats of arms. Ilya was born in the city of Murom, thanks to which he received his nickname. The first 33 years of his life, he could not move, and then suddenly got to his feet and went to perform his exploits.
In the picture of Ozhiganov, Ilya Muromets is depicted as a strong blonde man, as he is traditionally represented. A heavy long sword hangs on his belt. Next to the hero is his war horse. The attentive and serious look of Muromets is directed at some invisible enemy with whom he is probably going to engage in battle.
Kalinov bridge
The artist Igor Ozhiganov devotes his paintings not only to famous heroes, but also to famous places, structures. An example of work from the second category is the Kalinov Bridge. This magnificent building serves as a connecting link and at the same time an obstacle between the worlds of the living and the dead. A bridge is thrown over a fiery boiling river, and the multi-headed dragon guards it.
The painting "Kalinov bridge" Ozhiganova depicts a warrior in a red cloak, holding a shield and a sword. Everything looks as if this person is going to give battle to the guardian monster. Nearby you can see human remains. This can be considered a kind of hint that someone has already tried to defeat the dragon and failed.
Rod, Horse and Yarilo
The name Rod is the main deity of the Slavic pantheon. There are two principles in this character - male and female. His male hypostasis is Svarog, and the female - Lada. It was the Sort that our distant ancestors considered the creator of the Earth. In the painting "Rod" Ozhiganova this deity is depicted sitting on a majestic throne, and the sky serves as his crown.
"Horse" is another famous work of Igor. This canvas depicts the deity of the solar disk. One of his incarnations is considered the sacred bird Alkonost, into which Horst is easily reincarnated if necessary. The blond-haired god is depicted on a white flying horse, in his hands he holds a spear and shield.
Of interest is the painting “Yarilo”. It depicts the young Slavic god of spring, rebirth and prosperity. The work emphasizes the unstoppable power and frantic passion of this character, his ability to command feelings that are not subject to the mind.
Scandinavian theme
The "Scandinavian" paintings by Igor Evgenievich Ozhiganov are also worthy of attention. For example, his work “One” won fame. It depicts the supreme god of German-Scandinavian mythology. He owns Valhalla - the heavenly chamber in Asgard, which is considered a kind of paradise for valiant warriors who met their death on the battlefield. One, depicted in the picture, is seated on a throne and holds a spear in his hand. The company is made up of wolves.
Of interest is the work "Fishing Thor." As you can easily guess from the name, this picture depicts the Scandinavian god of war, storm and thunder, whose duty is to protect humanity from monsters and giants. In the picture, Thor is depicted as a long-haired hero, endowed with powerful power. He goes on a boat to the open sea and fights with its monstrous inhabitants. The waves raging around do not scare Thor, he exudes confidence, demonstrates full command of the situation.
Heimdall is another character of German-Scandinavian mythology, which Oziganov did not forget about. This god belongs to the family of aces, is considered the son of Odin and nine mothers. In the picture of the same name, he is depicted on a rearing horse. Heimdall blows his famous golden horn. If you believe the legend, it informs people about the upcoming end of the world, calls on the gods to the last battle.
"Freyr and Freyja" - a picture on which two deities are painted at once. Freyr is a beautiful god of summer and fertility, he is subject to sunlight. It was he who was prayed by those who dreamed of a rich harvest. Freyr does not like conflicts and wars, he is trying to bring individuals and entire nations to peace. Freya is the goddess of love and war, which is equal in beauty among mortals and gods. Her heart is filled with tenderness, she sympathizes with every suffering creature. Freya is also considered the leader of the Valkyries who pick up the soldiers who died during the battle. In the picture, Freyr is depicted riding a boar, which is his sacred animal. Freya controls a chariot drawn by two cats. The appearance of the gods corresponds to the descriptions given in mythology.
Reviews
Igor Ozhiganov’s paintings receive both positive and negative reviews. Fans of his work note the creator's attention to detail, his deep knowledge in mythology. Also, many have some understatement of the artist’s works, his ability to leave room for imagination.
Negative reviews of Ozhiganov’s paintings are also found. Someone does not like the atmosphere of peculiar anxiety and gloom, which marked his work. Someone does not like the artist's fixation on one topic.