The gondoliers

"The gondoliers"

In "The Gondoliers," one of the works from Alexander Shimbarovsky's series "Venice," we are transported to a surreal dimension where two gondolas glide through the channel, their travelers floating in another dimention. The background is a series of abstract horizontal lines that indicate a portal, through which we are invited to glimpse this otherworldly scene. The gondoliers' oars form waves that follow their movement, creating a mesmerizing rhythm that draws us into the picture.

Shimbarovsky's use of slit-scan technology and custom hardware creates a dreamlike quality in this work that is reminiscent of the surrealist paintings of René Magritte, whom the artist cites as an inspiration. The composition is balanced and horizontal, reflecting the calm movement of the gondolas and their passengers. The bright colors and sunny atmosphere create a positive mood that evokes a lazy summer day in Venice.

However, there is a deeper meaning embedded in the picture. The gondoliers represent the opposite and counterpart of Charon, who ferries souls across the River Styx in Greek mythology. In this way, the gondoliers are guiding us through life, reminding us to appreciate every moment as time is the most precious thing we have. The horizontal composition illustrates the movement of people in the flow of time, and the abstract lines in the background suggest that this moment is just one among many in an endless continuum.

Overall, "The Gondoliers" is a stunning work of art that combines technical mastery with a deeper philosophical message. It invites us to contemplate the passage of time and the beauty of the present moment, encouraging us to appreciate every aspect of our lives, just as the gondoliers guide us through the canals of Venice."