Exlibris of Petrusya B. 1976

This bookplate by Oleksandr Aksinin, made in 1976, presents a dreamlike interior, dominated by a stage curtain, ladders, and a dense, cross-hatched background. The curtain, reminiscent of theatrical performances, hints at the performative aspects of life, masking and revealing truths. Ladders, symbols of ascent and spiritual striving, appear frequently across cultures, from Jacob's Ladder in religious texts to their more mundane use. Yet, here, they seem to lead nowhere, adding to the enigmatic quality of the piece. Consider how such symbols echo through history, like figures ascending stairs in Piranesi's etchings, which convey a sense of infinite, inescapable architecture. The stage, traditionally a space for illusion and transformation, resonates with our subconscious desires and fears, engaging us on a primal level. The interplay of these motifs invites us to reflect on the nature of reality, where personal and collective memories blur. The motif's non-linear evolution reflects humanity's perpetual quest for meaning.