"Fairyland" - an exhibition of author's dolls by Sergey Drozdov

Sergei Drozdov went through art schools, academies and institutes, the path that artists take as a result of long studies and creative pursuits, on his own, without tutors or teachers. He graduated from the Leningrad Mining Institute and worked in the mines near Vorkuta. During the years of 'perestroika' he made leather jackets in co-operative societies and opened his own architectural bureau. And all this had to be abandoned for the sake of dolls.

He, like many people who have left their main profession to devote themselves to the "unknown", was helped by his family. His wife and children not only agreed, but insisted that this became more than just a hobby.

Today, prestigious venues are vying for the right to exhibit the master's work.

Sergey Drozdov's dolls are in private and museum collections in Russia, Europe and America. The artist himself prefers the hustle and bustle of exhibitions to working in his studio on another project.

Sergei lives and works in Zhlobin. In his workshop, he creates an alternative space, free from the influence of mobile phones and computers. It's the fantasy world of Jules Verne and Herbert Wells, where steam engines run on rails, and balloon baskets rise into the air...

In one interview, Sergei said: "I am aware of what is going on in politics or economics today. But I've had enough of all that. Now I just want to live, watch French comedies and reminisce about a time when adventures were not yet virtual..."

The artist's characters include warriors, pirates, knights, kings, scholars and travellers. Each character has a unique character and a story that can be read from the small details and accessories.

High craftsmanship lies not only in the ability to convey body plasticity and facial expressions, but also in combining different materials in the same project. Clothes are created from textiles, belts, shoes, leather bags, guns, swords and knives from real metal. Interestingly, the mechanisms can be set in motion!

These puppet masterpieces are time-consuming to prepare and create, but their impact on the viewer cannot be overstated!

An exhibition of works at the Bobruisk Art Museum opens "Synchromechanosia. Fairyland" has collected Sergei Drozdov's dolls from several collections over the years. The exhibition includes original bracelets and toy mini-weapons.

At the request of viewers, the exhibition has been extended until 20 February 2022, after which it will move to Vitebsk, where it will be presented at Slavonic Bazaar.

Material prepared Irina Panfilenok