When you think of "art," you might envision classic paintings and marble statues.
But in the artwork of Alexey Kondakov, the concept of "art" is challenged when past and present collide.
To create his images, the Ukranian artist takes the figures from traditional oil paintings, usually those from the Renaissance period through the 19th century, and digitally inserts them into photographs of his modern city, much like how another artist took classic sculptures and added some modern features to them.
As a result, the mythical, beautiful characters from these old paintings suddenly become our contemporaries, and also seem much more relatable as they navigate subways and alleys.
Alexey's mash-ups are funny, but there are also some definite emotions that come through, reminding us that even though the past seems very far removed, humans have always experienced the same ranges of emotions.
Check out some of his pieces below — and just as a fair warning, some of the figures from the paintings are (tastefully) nude. So if you're at work, be aware!
(h/t: Visual News)
Removed from their original contexts, the figures seem like everyday, modern people, engaged in activities we understand immediately.
Of course, their clothing choices are a little different.
If they've opted for clothing at all!
But in modern settings, you almost can't help but make up stories about them, what they're doing, and why they're there. You just want to make up little captions.
'I told you not to do that last shot, Derek! OMG, I'm telling your mom!'
Or in this one, you wonder what this guy could have possibly said to earn this reaction.
'Mom! Can we get these? Please, Mom? MOOOOOM!'
Because he picks less-than-lovely places to put his figures, there's also a certain sadness to some of Alexey's images, even amid the humor.
The figures, many of whom come from mythical, heroic stories, seem lost in a gray, urban world.
We're reminded that many of the forests and beautiful landscapes that these characters would inhabit have been destroyed over the years.
But at the same time, their settings, if not their clothes, make them seem like people we could know and be friends with.
They become more approachable and human in these recognizable, familiar places.
And removed of their original fantasy settings, they seem to develop some very human personalities.
Legendary characters suddenly seem much more down-to-earth.
And even pretty rowdy!
Alexey's art proves that setting makes all the difference, and that people form a few centuries ago maybe weren't as different from us as we might think.
If you're interested, you can see more of his work on Facebook.
Please SHARE with any friends who like a little time travel!
