Konstantin Zvezdochetov

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Original canvas. There are very minor spots of staining in places, otherwise in good overall condition and ready to hang. Unframed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of the most dynamic and recognised artists of the Moscow school, Konstantin Zvezdochetov plays visual tricks with images from Russian folklore, characters from world history, ideological cliché and elements of everyday life. Bringing together characters from Russian and Western European high and low culture such as Viola and Uncle Ben, Joseph Beuys and Antoine de Saint Exupéry, in seemingly random arrangements within his own mythological context, Zvezdochetov's works become a critical analysis of collective unconsciousness, history of art and society. His trademark style is a similar patchwork of techniques incorporating elements of Russian iconography, oriental design, Soviet cartoon and mosaics.

In the offered work from the Moscow Types series, Zvezdochetov presents classic images of Russian nineteenth and twentieth century intellectuals, such as Tolstoy and Pushkin, reduced to two-dimensional caricature, knowingly involving the viewer in a game of endless satirical associations.