Autumn 1987

Sergiy Grigoriev's oil painting evokes the season of Autumn. The bare trees, reflecting in the still water, speak of nature's cycle, a powerful motif throughout art history, symbolizing decline but also anticipation of renewal. The image of a tree, stripped bare, has appeared in many contexts, from ancient fertility rites to Christian iconography, representing both death and resurrection. Think of the barren tree in medieval crucifixion scenes, a stark reminder of mortality. Yet, even in its desolation, the tree holds a promise. The psychological weight of autumn is significant. The shedding of leaves can be seen as a form of catharsis, a release of what is no longer needed. This resonates with our own human experiences of loss and change. The reflective surface of the water further enhances this theme, offering a mirror to our own transient existence. The cycle of seasons, echoed in this painting, continues its eternal, non-linear progression. Each autumn is not an end but a bridge, a transition, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.