Grotesque paintings by artist Anatoly Kozelsky
Contemporary artist Anatoly Kozelsky is a master with a very distinctive style and a wonderful sense of humor. His paintings resemble illustrations for adult fairy tales or comics without text. However, the viewer does not need any explanations - the message of each of Kozelsky's works is well understood.
The heroes of Anatoly Kozelsky's paintings are residents of a strange medieval country, somewhere in Europe. At least, this is what the style of clothing, architecture and household items indicate. At the same time, it is impossible to call the paintings historically reliable, because Kozelsky's heroes are familiar with many modern concepts and even some achievements of science and technology.
Rather, it is an alternative Middle Ages, which for some reason dragged on too long and took a wrong turn. Why? It is obvious. The world shown by Kozelsky is populated by people who are not very intelligent, honest or highly moral. They abuse alcohol, cheat on their spouses, fight, take bribes and shirk serious matters.
But Kozelsky depicts his heroes in such a way that even the most unpleasant vices in their performance look harmless and even comical. Despite the old-fashioned entourage, the artist's paintings are excellent for illustrating modern problems. It becomes clear that fashion and technology change, but people always remain the same.