65-A - TATIANA NAZARENKO (RUSSIAN B. 1944)

TATIANA NAZARENKO (RUSSIAN B. 1944) Children's Games, 2012 oil on canvas 62 x 92 cm (24 3/8 x 36 1/4) signed lower right; signed, dated and titled on verso LOT NOTES Tatiana Nazarenko is a preeminent figure in Russian contemporary art, renowned for her ability to bridge the gap between historical narrative and the modern "theater of life". By 2012, when Children's Games was created, Nazarenko had moved beyond her early "Severe Style" origins toward a more metaphysical and often ironic exploration of human existence. Her later works frequently utilize the motif of dolls, puppets, and life sized figures to reflect the shifting social and political landscape of post-Soviet Russia. This painting belongs to a thematic period where the artist examines the fragility of memory and the static nature of human identity through the lens of play. The composition of Children's Games presents a rich interplay of symbolism and urban atmosphere, set against the backdrop of a wintry Russian city. In the foreground, a large, doll-like child figure in a green cap and blue overalls sits prominently on a ledge, flanked by a bright red toy car and a traditional folk toy. The viewpoint;likely from a studio window, overlooks a street dominated by a vibrant yellow building and the stark, skeletal trees of a Moscow winter. The contrast between the saturated colors of the toys and the muted, snowy environment outside creates a sense of profound stillness, as if these objects are the silent guardians of a private world preserved on the threshold of the public street. Children's Games invites the viewer to consider the deeper philosophical layers characteristic of Nazarenko’s mature style, which often imbues inanimate objects with human pathos. The artist frequently uses the "puppet" or "dummy" to speak of the human condition, turning toys into surrogates for memory and the "games" inherent in adult life. By placing these figures between the interior space of the home and the exterior reality of the city, Nazarenko highlights the delicate boundary between individual imagination and the cold passage of time. This work is a compelling example of her late-career mastery, capturing the uncanny quietude and psychological depth that have made her one of the most respected painters of her generation. N.B. Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions & Appraisals LLC and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions & Appraisals, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.