Underwater. Illustration for the epic "Volga"

"Underwater. Illustration for the epic 'Volga'" is a captivating artwork that blends surrealism with the delicate elegance of Art nouveau (modern). It visually explores the rich roots of Russian folklore, influenced by ancient Slavic pagan beliefs and traditional fairy tales. The illustration reflects themes from the Kievan bylinas rooted in the Russian North, particularly Karelia, paralleling the Finnish epic Kalevala. Through its mythical underwater scenes, the artwork evokes the timeless connection between nature, myth, and cultural heritage inherent in Slavic epic poetry and illustration art.