Artem Stefanov
КРЕПЧЕ СТАЛИ
Vyksa, 2024
The mural "STRONGER THAN STEEL", covering an area of 5,500 square meters, was created over 30 days as part of the Vyksa Fest on the facade of OMK's Vyksa Steel Works.
"Stronger than Steel" is a phrase formed by a play on homonyms, referring to common Russian expressions that use metal and the process of hardening as metaphors for physical and spiritual strength, and character development (e.g., "steel character," "nerves of steel," "strong as steel," etc.). The phrase sums up the past while simultaneously looking toward the future. With its concise and impactful form, it works like a slogan, serving to inspire, set the mood, evoke a sense of belonging, and instill resilience in the pursuit of goals.
The mural’s background, in an energetic abstract style, depicts the metal hardening process, seemingly infused with supernatural and mystical properties. A fusion of the spiritual and material is expressed through the gradual dissipation of light within the pattern, creating a subtle holographic effect. The artwork is imbued with an industrial aesthetic, using the iridescent colors that steel acquires when exposed to different temperatures. Special attention is given to the ribbed surface, with the image moving in harmony with it, emphasizing the technological nature and rhythm of industrial processes.
In the space of the factory, the artistic and industrial merge. It’s a fusion of two artistic methods: abstract and conceptual. In this way, the factory not only produces metallurgical products but also conveys meanings and its own unique aesthetic.
"Stronger than Steel" is a phrase formed by a play on homonyms, referring to common Russian expressions that use metal and the process of hardening as metaphors for physical and spiritual strength, and character development (e.g., "steel character," "nerves of steel," "strong as steel," etc.). The phrase sums up the past while simultaneously looking toward the future. With its concise and impactful form, it works like a slogan, serving to inspire, set the mood, evoke a sense of belonging, and instill resilience in the pursuit of goals.
The mural’s background, in an energetic abstract style, depicts the metal hardening process, seemingly infused with supernatural and mystical properties. A fusion of the spiritual and material is expressed through the gradual dissipation of light within the pattern, creating a subtle holographic effect. The artwork is imbued with an industrial aesthetic, using the iridescent colors that steel acquires when exposed to different temperatures. Special attention is given to the ribbed surface, with the image moving in harmony with it, emphasizing the technological nature and rhythm of industrial processes.
In the space of the factory, the artistic and industrial merge. It’s a fusion of two artistic methods: abstract and conceptual. In this way, the factory not only produces metallurgical products but also conveys meanings and its own unique aesthetic.
55.383758, 42.178746
Vyksa Festival 2024
Curated: Substance
Collaboration with Vladimir Abikh
Photo: Vasiliy Kudryavtsev
Industrial Street Art Park
Vyksa, 2024
Vyksa Festival 2024
Curated: Substance
Collaboration with Vladimir Abikh
Photo: Vasiliy Kudryavtsev
Industrial Street Art Park
Vyksa, 2024