Short art story: “Narodni trida, Prague” by Ivan Klymenko

An urban view of the historical centre in Prague, and a turn - this is what the artist proposes as the subject of this painting. Colorful historical buildings, side by side, create the background on which the two trams, going in opposite directions, are displayed in the composition.

The trams meet and even more, they synchronize at a turn. One tram leaves, another comes, as if emphasizing the past and the future, but also the continuous movement (of things, of life). We come, we go and just like that, days, months and years pass. The historical buildings seem to emphasize the historical component of the scene and the connection with the past.

In the foreground we also see a crossing, placed in front of the trams that go in different directions. This almost puts us in front of a choice – „do you want to stay or go?”

And then the turn, it is by definition something unsure, a reversal of the situation. You never know what's behind the curve.

Indeed, many interpretations can be given to the artwork, especially from a metaphorical perspective. But maybe the artist intended to show only a moment of a day in the historical center. However, we cannot limit ourselves to what we simply see without thinking metaphorically as well. A work of art is always more than it seems at first sight and that's why this one seem like a story about waiting, about movement, or choise.

Works of art often hide clues that, once found and understood, offer a completely different interpretation of what we see. If we want to deepen the analysis, we can even look for the symbolism of the number 2 or 22, which can be found on the tram on the right. What does it mean? Maybe tram 22 means something specific to the artist. Maybe it's the tram that usually takes him home or it means something else. And there is much more that could be said here...

by Cosmina M. Oltean,

(MA in Art history /Art writer for P&PG)