The Ecology Square is located in Sivtsev Vrazhek Lane, near the Burganov House in Moscow. It is decorated with six sculptures that explore the relationship between humans, art, and the environment, as well as the ability to find beauty in mundane and ordinary things, to treasure and protect it. This conversation between humans and nature evokes a sense of awe and deep emotions in almost every visitor.
There is a garden in one of the old lanes near Arbat Street, reminiscent of European sculpture parks. In this square, there is an allegorical sculpture “Ecology”, depicting an open hand with a butterfly perched on the middle finger. Other installations include a golden statue of Pegasus and sculptural compositions such as “Abraham Lincoln and Alexander II Shaking Hands”, “Youth”, and “Fantastic Portrait”.
Images of hands can be found in the art of almost all nations and time periods. From prehistoric cave paintings to modern art, a hand has been one of the most common motifs. It has various meanings and is universally understandable, which makes it easy for viewers to perceive.
The sculptural composition “Fantastic Portrait” is based on several vivid symbols. An elongated neck is topped by an open palm facing the sky. At the top of the palm, there is a foot with black eyes. The use of white composite material is associated with the spiritual aspect of this artwork. The neutrality and purity of color act as a bridge to help viewers understand and comprehend this unique portrait.
Nowadays, ecology is a prominent theme both in society and art. It has also been important for Alexander Nikolayevich Burganov. The artist expresses his attitude towards this topic through both the compositions and the materials he chooses to use. In his works, such as “Guardian Angel — Birth of Man”, “Boy and Foal”, “Ecology”, and “Birth of Pegasus”, he demonstrates the touching and elusive beauty using the language of sculpture. In his works, heavy metal is imbued with a sense of lightness and liveliness that are characteristic of nature.
This sculptural composition, along with the square where it is located,
prepares the viewer for an immersion into the unique atmosphere of the adjacent
Burganov House.