Wells 1983

Oleksandr Aksinin’s print, "Wells," presents a striking well structure, rendered with geometric precision and stark color contrasts. This central image evokes a sense of both hope and unease; wells have long symbolized life, sustenance, and the hidden depths of the subconscious. The red and green contrasts might suggest a tension between vitality and decay, a visual representation of the precarious balance within our own psyches. The well, as a motif, reminds me of ancient fertility rituals and the quest for knowledge, echoed in countless myths across cultures, from the Well of Urd in Norse mythology to the sacred cenotes of the Maya. Observe the bucket descending, a gesture laden with anticipation and potential risk. It is a poignant reminder of our endless pursuit of meaning and truth, often fraught with uncertainty and the lurking shadows of the unknown. The well continues to resonate, its image surfacing and evolving in art and culture, forever tied to our yearning for what lies beneath the surface.