Composition №3 Painting

THE GIFT OF LOVE is a unique inclusive exhibition project that introduces the viewer to the art of Andrei Yakimov, a talented 15–year–old painter with Down syndrome. This is the first exhibition of the young artist, bringing together 50 abstract works created by him in the period 2023-2024. This name was not chosen by chance. Andrey gives each of his works to his father, who is the first to see all the works he creates. For the young author, “the gift of love” is not just dedication, not only caring for loved ones, but the ability to love in the broadest sense of the word – to accept and unite people, to harmonize the world around them. This is the fundamental basis of humanity, which we sometimes forget and underestimate. Andrey grows up in a family that loves, understands and feels art. Paintings and books are constantly being painted around the young artist, cartoons and comics are being created. Ancient Russian art, Japanese engraving, masters of the Union of Russian Artists, Vincent van Gogh paintings, Soviet “sixties” and German abstractionism – their interests are very broad. Everyone develops in their field: creating, inventing, entering into a dialogue with the heritage of world culture, learning and discovering new things. The whole house resembles a museum, where you can trace the development of the individual handwriting of all family members. This is an ongoing creative laboratory – an artistic environment that pushes you to search. Andrey’s interest in painting appeared unexpectedly and almost by accident. His first major abstract work was painted on one of the canvases of Masha’s younger sister. His talent, like that of every member of the Yakimov family, is independent. Developing in such unusual conditions, he creates his own handwriting; the young author has his own hobbies. The Russian icon, the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the classic of unofficial Soviet art, Oleg Tselkov, are important masters for Andrei, who have been awarded the name “artist.” Andrey’s works are similar in spirit to the works of the masters of abstract expressionism. They are monumental and extremely honest, free and expressive. Some resemble gardens and parks with fantastic animals inhabiting them, others are flashes of flame, the life of the elements, while others are refined and weightless, as if filled with air. His ability to feel and understand certain universal laws, the desire for harmony and universal unity is amazing.