Illustration for the fairytale "Go there do not know where, bring it I do not know what" 1935

Curator: So, we have Ivan Bilibin's "Illustration for the fairytale 'Go there do not know where, bring it I do not know what'" created in 1935 using tempera. What grabs your attention? Editor: I’m struck by how much detail there is in the clothing, it gives such a strong sense of Russian traditional dress. I also notice that it is connected to a fairytale! How do you interpret this work, considering it’s meant to illustrate a folk story? Curator: The layers of ornamentation certainly catch the eye. For me, this image speaks volumes about power and gender roles within a historical context. What do you make of the woman's posture, the way she seems almost withdrawn compared to the male figures? How might this depiction comment on women's agency within these traditional power structures, especially considering the Russian avant-garde's engagement with societal change? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn’t really focused on her body language, but you are right. She does look quite submissive to the imposing men surrounding her. Do you think Bilibin was making a conscious comment on social inequality, or was he just illustrating the story? Curator: That’s a vital question. The Russian avant-garde period was a melting pot of tradition and revolution. Even while seemingly celebrating folklore, artists like Bilibin were often grappling with the changing status of individuals, and, of course, women in a transforming society. Editor: That makes me see this in a new light. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a statement on social roles. Curator: Exactly! It encapsulates a fascinating dialogue between heritage, identity, and social critique within a specific historical juncture. What seemed purely illustrative suddenly gains new layers of significance. Editor: I'll never look at fairy tale illustrations the same way again. Thanks for sharing this insightful perspective!