Dream of the Guardians of the Kingdom of Night

Year

2023

Medium

Paper/mixed media

Dimensions

42x30

Series

Dreams of Immigration

This work turns to the motif of passage between worlds. In fairy tales and myths from different cultures, the hero rarely enters a new space directly. First, they pass through a forest, a crossroads, an underworld, a magical road, or an encounter with a guardian. Around the central face, resembling a mask, appear creatures that evoke guardians. In Slavic fairy tales, Baba Yaga can take on this role: she frightens, tests the hero, and helps them cross the boundary between worlds. In ancient myths, a similar function is carried out by guides to the other world. In fairy tales, animals, monsters, and various beings often test the hero, offer clues, or demand a price for passage. The new reality here does not simply open itself to the person. It tests, frightens, tempts, and demands inner transformation. This is a dream about the moment when someone has already crossed the border, but still does not know which forces of the new world will become a threat and which will turn out to be helpers.