The Weight of Humanity. Dmitry Petrov’s Latest Exhibition at Atticus Arts Gallery
by Darriel Patrick
21/11/2023
Atticus Gallery | 19 November – 21 December 2023
Exhibition View: Dmitry Petrov's The Weight of Humanity at Atticus Gallery blends evocative paintings with classical sculptures, reflecting war and resilience
Atticus Arts Gallery, 11a Queen Street, Bath, is delighted to present The Weight of Humanity, a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition by the renowned artist Dmitry Petrov, on display from 19th November to 21st December 2023.
Taking inspiration from the myth of Atlas, this compelling exhibition delves into the collective burden of war, displacement, and cultural fragmentation. Petrov’s evocative paintings are displayed alongside replica classical sculptures, including a striking depiction of Atlas, as well as bas-reliefs portraying human crowds. By interweaving classical antiquity with modern artistic expression, the exhibition creates a dynamic and moving dialogue on the fragility and resilience of civilisation.
Eastside Projects Collaboration
The exhibition is made possible through the collaboration of Atticus Arts Gallery with Eastside Projects, Birmingham. Known for their innovative approaches to contemporary art and community-focused initiatives, Eastside Projects provided critical organisational support and curatorial insight, enhancing the exhibition’s depth and accessibility. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering challenging conversations around art, society, and resilience.
An Exhibition of Timely Significance
At the core of The Weight of Humanity is the mythological figure of Atlas, condemned to hold the heavens aloft for eternity. Here, Atlas becomes a symbol of humanity’s collective struggle to sustain order amidst chaos, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Petrov’s works, characterised by fragmented, faceless figures, evoke the dehumanising effects of war and displacement while reflecting the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
“I see Atlas as a figure of both strength and futility,” Dmitry Petrov explains. “He is an eternal symbol of resilience under constant strain—a reflection of the burden humanity bears in a fractured world.”
The exhibition juxtaposes Petrov’s contemporary, gestural paintings with bas-reliefs inspired by classical traditions. These sculptural works, depicting mourners and displaced individuals, serve as powerful visual anchors, reminding us of the universal and timeless nature of human suffering and solidarity.
A Multi-Sensory Experience
Visitors to The Weight of Humanity will encounter a carefully curated environment blending large-scale abstract paintings, classical sculptures, and emotive bas-reliefs. The Atlas sculpture, serving as the exhibition’s centrepiece, embodies the weight of collective trauma and the unrelenting effort to sustain civilisation amidst turmoil.
Through this unique combination of classical and contemporary art, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the fragility of cultural ideals, the cyclical nature of history, and the shared burden of war and displacement.
Exhibition Details
Atticus Arts Gallery is located at 11a Queen Street, Bath. The exhibition will be open to the public from 19th November to 21st December 2023, Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is free, with donations encouraged to support ongoing humanitarian efforts for those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Press Enquiries
For further information, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact:
Atticus Arts Gallery
Email: info@atticusgallery.co.uk
Editor’s Notes
Dmitry Petrov is an internationally acclaimed artist whose work has been showcased in galleries across Europe and the Caribbean.
The replica sculptures featured in the exhibition were sourced from leading workshops specialising in reproductions of classical works, selected to align with Petrov’s exploration of war and resilience.
Visit The Weight of Humanity at Atticus Arts Gallery and experience an artistic dialogue that bridges antiquity and modernity, offering a poignant exploration of the human condition in times of crisis.