 Andrew Rykovanov was born on September 11, 1965 in Omsk
(West Siberia). He is a specialist in civil construction. The art of microminiature is his
hobby from childhood. Since 1993 he is the head of the union "The centre of
microminiatures "A.S.Pushkin". He is a master of artistic microminiature. The
microminiature for him is not only a hobby, a way of expressing himself, of showing his
mastership, but also a possibility to invite the viewer to take part in a dialogue, to
share feelings. Andrew is left-handed. It is known that left-handed people form a lesser,
but a substantial part of humanity, which is sometimes traditionally regarded by the
right-handed majority as a kind of deviation from the norm, But it must be said that
scientists, studying the fact of left-handedness, prefer to call it the specific type of
cognition and perception of the surrounding world by such people. The artist uses original
means and methods to bring to the attentive and serious viewer his own perception of our
cultural heritage. From his point of view the intended method of addressing the
imperishable words and images induces the viewers once more to think about eternal ideals
and values (often fading in daily routine) which, with the help of special optical means,
come closer not only to the eyes but also to the minds of contemporary people. Perfecting
his art and craftsmanship in the infinitely small, Andrew creates unique artefacts with
the help of a microscope. Most often he works with the following materials: the section of
a rice grain, poppy seeds, pearls, amber, rock crystal, mammoth tooth, Siberian pine
seeds, walnuts, plum kernels and pear seeds.
 The mounting of the microminiatures can be of great variety: stone, glass,
metal, wood and other natural materials. This gives additional meaning to the works, helps
to reveal the theme of a work, to finish the composition. The technique of the execution:
microengraving, micropainting and microplastics. The awakening of noble sentiments and
high aspirations - this regards the Russian left-yanded artist as the main task of his
creative work. By the way, rice grains in Eastern mythology are considered to be the
symbol of life-giving source, the fertility god; and mammoth-tooth and amber are symbols
of ancient reminescences of life that existed long before man appeared on Earth. The
portrait of A.S.Pushkin with the text of the poem "Talisman" engraved on the
cross-section of a rice grain was presented to the vice president of the United States of
America in June 1992, on the occasion of the Independence Day. Now this gift is kept in
the White House museum; it represents one more link in the chain connecting the cultures
of the two peoples. In August 1992 in the town of Montelimar (France) the first personal
exhibition of Andrew Rykovanov's works took place and was a great success.
 Several works by the Siberian artist were awarded Diplomas of world records
in thematic parts of the above-mentioned exhibition: the icon "The Almighty"
with the text of the prayer "Our Father..." consists of two halves of a poppy
seed and is executed by painting using a special brush of only one hair and paints on the
base of poppy oil. This work is officially considered to be the smallest in the world,
worthy to be put in Guinness book of records. Visiting Egypt as a member of the delegation
of International Union of Bibliophiles in April 1999, Andrew Rykovanov organized the
exhibition "Siberian microminiature" dedicated to the 200th birthday of
A.S.Pushkin. The exhibition, held in Russia's cultural centre in Cairo and also in
Alexandria, was a great success and got much attention. Feeling deep respect for the
people of Egypt and its leader, striving to strengthen the friendship between Egypt and
Russia, the artist presented a unique microminiature on a section of a pearl to the
president of Egypt. A double portrait of the president and his wife was specially prepared
by the artist for the exhibition in Egypt. The artist was awarded a "MILSET"
Diploma for active participation in the work of the World Intellectual Festival
"Scientific-technical leisure - to the XXI century generation", which took place
in Moscow in 1998. At present Andrew Rykovanov continues the perfection of his
craftsmanship in microtechnique, creates new forms of non-traditional methods of
exhibiting his works, organizes travelling thematic exhibitions of his works in Russia and
other countries.
|
