David with the Head of Goliath Print

This captivating sculpture portrays the young David holding the head of Goliath, a scene that has inspired artists throughout the ages. The sculpture was exhibited as part of the "Genesis" exhibition in Berlin, where Elya Yalonetski drew inspiration from ancient motifs ranging from the Garden of Eden to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yalonetski, a Ukrainian-born artist who studied art in Russia, has close ties to both countries, and the ongoing conflict between them has deeply affected her. With her previous world collapsing, the artist turns to her art to explore themes of creation, temptation, and redemption. This sculpture invites the viewer to reflect on the timeless power of faith and divine intervention, which allowed David to defeat the formidable Goliath. The head of Goliath in the sculpture bears a striking resemblance to a giant who came to his peaceful neighbors with war last February, adding a contemporary relevance to the work. The dramatic composition and lighting of the sculpture evoke the works of Baroque masters like Caravaggio, whose paintings often depicted scenes of violence and redemption with dramatic chiaroscuro effects. Like those artists before her, Yalonetski uses her medium to create a powerful emotional impact on the viewer. Through this sculpture, Yalonetski explores the enduring power of ancient stories to inspire hope and redemption, even in the most challenging of circumstances. As the artist confronts the uncertainty of the present day, this work serves as a reminder of the timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences across the ages.