Every person shares any kind of art according to two characteristics: like or dislike, understandable or incomprehensible. Contemporary art is often incomprehensible, especially its style, which Shabanov Alexander follows, is postmodernism.
What is this style
He is dual. Firstly, he completely lost touch with classical art. Secondly, he is a provocateur. “Sly to ask much, but he will not give you an answer,” said the classic. This art asks questions, often sharp, and requires the same answers. And here a counter question arises: “Is this art?” Do they play puzzles with us, chuckling? After all, there are no canons in it. The artist expresses himself on the principle of "everything is possible." There are no restrictions. Creative imagination can create an absurdity and pass it off as a significant symbol. Reason is opposed to the elements, order to chaos. Irrationality, that is, that which is not comprehended by reason, is transferred to the canvas. And they suggest we understand this? Images of art, its symbols usually have a connection with the real world. And here is complete isolation from him. This is a virtual reality, dear to the heart that prefers computer anonymous communication to friendly human gatherings. Doesn't Shabanov Alexander also work?
Cliche
We directly see artistic borrowing in the 2010 work “The Mona Lisa”. Shabanov Alexander took the model replicated by the media, changed the background (instead of the Tuscan or Milanese landscape in front of us - the slurred ruins of a building), planted a genius with a brush before the work on which he was going to smear. At the same time, the great Leonardo is sitting in the pose of some peasant, and he is disproportionately shallow in front of his model.
Alexander placed the hourglass to the forefront of Shabanov. This symbol is ambiguous: fast-flowing time, as well as development at all levels. They separate the earthly and the heavenly, life and death. Only skulls and braids for a more explicit identification of these meanings were not added by the artist. He lit everything with an even golden light that does not come from any point. By the way, this is a constant method used by Alexander Shabanov. Why did he turn to the past? Due to lack of content? Or does he simply combine diverse styles, as he often does in his works? The author has no answers. And the viewer?
The game
Painter's paintings often include elements of the game depicted characters. We do not mean “Playing cards” or “Tennis”. But “Cavalier and Lady” or “Treat” or “The Origin of Intrigue” - this is seen as a carnival. The outcome of the game is not determined.
How the courtship of the gentleman for his lady will end, we cannot know, but there is an assumption that attention will be accepted favorably. This is how the author perceives the behavior patterns that Alexander Shabanov portrayed.
Irony
The ironic quoting of Gothic elements (ladies' hats) and the outspoken sexuality of dresses in the spirit of the Rococo gentlemen and ladies create in postmodernism the response to his work that the painter needs. Our smile arises beyond our will, exactly as the artist intended. In this case, we are in his hands. And thank you for the kind smile, as in the picture “Bearing”. In it, the little arapon, raising the hem of the lady's dress, makes it possible for the gentleman with a rose in his hands to examine all previously hidden charms.
The lady is absolutely calm. Her ugly face does not prevent her from feeling alluring. Moreover, she holds a pear in her outstretched hand in order to even more lure a curious ugly outwardly (to her fit) aristocrat. We are used to the fact that aristocrats are distinguished by the nobility of at least external forms. This is not here. Only a servant-arapon is beautiful. The artist Alexander Shabanov clearly teases his heroes.
Stradivarius
Against the background of everything written, the master Stradivarius stands out sharply with asceticism. Sad old face.
Involuntarily you think about what disturbs and does not give satisfaction to the
violin master. He reached all heights of excellence. His violins have no equal. What is he looking for perfection? Will he get it?
In conclusion, it must be said that the site that has Shabanov Alexander deserves interest. The artist’s creativity can be viewed from different angles. Some we suggested. I wonder what his connoisseurs write? It turns out, most often: "beautiful, amazing work", "very close to me in spirit." And all the same.