Original etching 20 x 16, on 24 x 20 archival arch paper, edition of 25
Artem Mirolevich is an artist who creates artworks that are depictions of ancient civilizations, philosophy, present society, and also what he envisions for the future. One of his artworks, "Ship City" envisions imaginary New York as the very center of civilization with all its pleasures and flaws, and the mothership as a combination of Noah's Ark, Flying Dutchman, and Tower of Babel.
Mirolevich's etching can be interpreted as a reflection of the complex and chaotic nature of modern urban life. It showcases the skyscrapers of New York City, which symbolize the city's status as a global hub for finance, culture, and entertainment. The depiction of the mothership, which is a combination of different mythological and biblical elements, suggests that New York is a place where people from different backgrounds and cultures come together and create something new.
The use of the Tower of Babel in the artwork is significant as it represents a symbol of human ambition and the desire to reach the heavens. The flying Dutchman is a legendary ghost ship that can never make port and is doomed to sail the oceans forever. The combination of these two elements with Noah's Ark, which represents safety and protection, suggests that New York is a place where people strive for greatness and freedom, but also face constant struggles and challenges.
In summary, Artem Mirolevich's etching "Ship City" portrays New York as a complex and dynamic metropolis that embodies the highs and lows of modern urban life. The combination of different mythological and biblical elements in the etching suggests that New York is a place of great ambition, struggle and endless possibilities.
P.S. My passion for etching started in 1998 while studying in Amsterdam. The process of etching captivated me, and I was inspired by classical masters such as Piranesi, Dore, Durer, and Rembrandt, as well as contemporary artists like Brodsky & Utkin. In 2001, I had my first solo exhibition and met Mary Westring, who mentored me until 2007. Etching is labor-intensive but empowering, allowing for a broad spectrum of goals. My work is inspired by films, literature, history, exploration, and philosophy, and I have created art for various media, including book covers, magazines, newspapers, Broadway posters, album covers, and book illustrations. I am constantly pushing boundaries to create meaningful, thought-provoking art.
