The Dynamics of the Fragile at SISTEMA GALLERY brings together in a single space around 25 works by Ivan Asinovsky (b. 1980) and Sergey Orlov (1911–1973) — two sculptors from different eras, yet equally fascinated by the plastic possibilities of porcelain. Ivan Asinovsky may rightly be regarded as a successor to the traditions of Soviet porcelain. He creates images that invariably resonate with those adults who, as children, admired charming porcelain figurines displayed on their grandmother’s dresser. The artist achieves this distinctive sense of visual nostalgia through compositional and coloristic solutions characteristic of Soviet porcelain masters. It was precisely this quality of his works that inspired the formation of Natalia Sepiashvili’s collection.

“My collection began about ten years ago, when I first saw, and then acquired, Ivan Asinovsky’s composition Potato Harvest*. It depicts a scene from everyday life — two women gathering potatoes against the backdrop of a bright red tractor. At the time, I was struck by the plasticity of Asinovsky’s works, in which the artist’s hand was unmistakably visible — a tangible sense of craftsmanship. Moreover, the imagery in his works felt deeply familiar to me; it belongs to my childhood and evokes the warmest memories. We are opening this exhibition on the eve of the New Year holiday season and hope to create a joyful atmosphere for everyone who experiences the project.”*

For many years, Sergey Orlov’s creative career was closely connected with the renowned Dmitrov Porcelain Factory in Verbilki. Among his first widely celebrated porcelain works were figurines inspired by Russian fairy tales, including those based on Pyotr Yershov’s famous tale The Little Humpbacked Horse. One of them — the composition Ivanushka on the Little Humpbacked Horse — is presented in the exhibition. Every work by Orlov is unique, as he did not use the molding techniques traditionally employed in porcelain production, but instead modeled each sculpture by hand. From a single composition, the artist would produce several casts, painting each one differently in order to enhance its expressiveness. The theme of the circus also occupied an important place in his work, finding expression in several series (the exhibition includes two figurines from the triptych The Grand Clownade). Theatricality, vivid decorative qualities, and sharply characterized figures are the features that distinguished Orlov’s works from those of his contemporaries, many of whom also turned to the circus as a subject.

The circus theme introduced by Orlov’s works is continued through Asinovsky’s figurine Snake Charmer, as well as a set of chess pieces in which the pawns are trained poodles and the kings are circus ringmasters. Like his chess set, all of the artist’s works are imbued with gentle humor and tender irony toward their subjects, bringing a smile even to the most serious viewer. The exhibition also includes works dedicated to Maslenitsa. The celebration of Maslenitsa unfolds as an entire narrative across the surface of a small porcelain bucket. It belongs to a group of exhibits that not only offer aesthetic pleasure but also function as practical objects distinguished by their striking originality (the vases Railcars, Balconies, and Competitions). The festive spirit of winter, evoking the approach of the brightest and most magical season of the year, is reflected in Asinovsky’s compositions from the Christmas series, which bring warmth and joy to every visitor.