Girls and swords

Andrey Ostashov • Special Issue, 2019
Bronze, granite. 77?37, h=112 cm

The composition features two young girls standing symmetrically upon a modest pedestal. They are attired in identical high-necked short dresses, complemented by prominent, high cuffs at the wrists. From the rear, it is evident that the dresses feature neck fasteners styled similarly to the cuffs—creating a visual dialogue between the two elements.
The heroines mirror one another’s posture: their inner and outer legs are symmetrically extended, with their toes gracefully brushing the granite slab upon which the plinth rests. Teddy bears are tethered to their hips, linking the subjects to the motif of childhood play. The focal point of their union is a long sword, reminiscent of a Japanese tachi, which they both grip firmly with both hands in a horizontal position.
Despite the overall similarity in costume, pose, and hairstyle, their facial expressions reveal subtle differences, particularly when viewed from various angles. While a shared concentration on a specific task is evident, in certain features, serenity gives way to sadness or even a sense of unease. The figures are captivating in their symmetry and their somewhat mystical aura. Interestingly, the artist provides only one of the girls with a heart-shaped element on her chest, creating one of the few distinct details that differentiate the two.