Gypsy Madonnas #7. - Limited Edition of 2 Print

This project is a critical rethinking of cultural stereotypes formed in post-Soviet society regarding Central Asian Gypsies, called "luli" (self-name - mugat, jugi). In traditional Central Asian society, "luli" is discriminated against and is the lowest social stratum, mainly engaged in begging and even more "dirty" occupation - garbage collection. Although the "luli" are Muslims, the autochthon (Uzbek and Tajik) population considers them "dirty" and contrasts their faith with their "pure" Islam. In Russia, "luli" are subjected to double discrimination: on the part of indigenous Russians who see them as a lower caste of guest workers, and on the part of local Gypsies (Roma), who do not even recognize them as a related group. I photographed three categories of luli begging: disabled people, children and women with infants. Personal acquaintance with Luli confirmed the characterization given to him by the researcher of gypsies Nikolai Bessonov: "these are people-flowers, a living embodiment of openness, pacifism and humility." Since my study was dominated by photographs of women with children, I decided to rethink the stereotype of "dirty beggar" through the classic image of European iconography - Madonna and Child, associated with purity and integrity. In my project I consciously relied on Christian iconography and ethics (In. 8:7 "... which one of you without sin, first throw a stone at her"), as well as on the semi-mythological information that the model for the Sistine Madonna Raphael was his mistress and model Fornarina, which caused at one time in the "pious" public shock, similar to that, which is experienced by her modern ideological followers when looking at the "gypsy Madonnas." To implement the project, I used the technique of manual lithographic printing to use the imitation of the effect of antiquity and retro photos to give the works timeless authenticity and human participation, unattainable by using the synthetic effect of the printer. In addition, printing lithographic paint on special paper allowed me to refine printed prints with water-based paints (watercolor, tempera and gouache), which would be almost impossible if printed on a printer. I also used the traditional wood processing technique for Central Asian gypsies (mugat) as an element of the design of the works.

Printmaking:Gouache on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:20.5 W x 27.6 H x 2.4 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.