Hunter 2020

Stepan Ryabchenko made this artwork, called ‘Hunter’, using digital media. I imagine it must have been like sculpting with light! The palette is so striking, a neon dreamscape of purples, greens and blues. There is an unreal quality that reminds me of science fiction book covers. The creature itself feels like a hybrid between animal, vegetable and mineral. Like something born from the deep sea or outer space. The smooth surfaces and the rippling water create a sense of otherworldly calm. I wonder what Ryabchenko was thinking about when creating this. Was he imagining a future ecosystem, or perhaps a commentary on our relationship with nature? It makes me think of other artists who explore similar themes of metamorphosis and the merging of nature and technology. What I like most is the open-ended-ness of it; it's as though the artist is inviting you to dream along with him.