Ivan Kopenkin (Jovanny)

About the Mural

"Fyodor Dostoevsky" Mural

"A portrait of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky now adorns the facade of a university. I chose this theme myself. Firstly, it's the wall of the Omsk State University named after F.M. Dostoevsky, and secondly, I am very fond of this author. While sketching, I listened to 'Notes from the House of the Dead'—a remarkable book, albeit somewhat somber. The author wrote it while in exile, which gives the work a particular depth. Despite the heavy atmosphere, the book remains poignant and life-affirming."

The artist noted that portraits of F.M. Dostoevsky are often rendered in dark, gloomy tones.

"For me, he is an author with a pure soul, like a flower. That's why I depicted him against a background of flowers, added bright colors and a slight smile, while preserving his penetrating and meticulous gaze," emphasized Ivan.