"Art" #1-2, 1997

The first issue of this journal opens with the section dedicated to the memory of Stephan, the zyrjan Apostle, who brought Christianity to the Komi land. A profound symbol may be found in the fact that the work at the first culture journal in the Republic of Komi began at the year of commemoration of the 600th anniversary of the Apostle's death. This coincidence explains the choice of materials, the most of them bearing philosophic and religeous contents and disposing deep links of the modern search with the deeds of the past. Some authors of the articles published in this issue are well known in the Republic as well as in Russia. They are Andrej Vlasov, Jurij Jekishev, Alexander Terjukov, Michail Rogachyov, Natalja Petrenko, Raja Bartens (Helsinki). The scope of the subjects is wide,ranging from the description of the 500th and 600th anniversaries of Stephan Permskij to the questions of his heritage -Orthodoxy, the Komi writing and cathedrals. These subjects being of great importance for many people, the journal invites its readers to the discussion. Professor Semjonov kindly agreed to open the dialogue.

The literary section consists of poetry and prose by local authors. Poetry by Alyona Jeltsova and Jevgenij Kozlov is subtle, lyric and philosophical. Another author of the journal is Jurij Jekishev, who made his debut in the journal "Continent" in 1995. His prose in the "Continent" was reviewed by Igor Vinogradov as "dainty and liquid Russian poetry". At the same time this prose undoubtedly demonstrates a very strongly expressed zyrjan mentality. This issue of the "Art" publishes the film scenario by Jurij Jekishev "Rodvuzh Andel" (Family Angel), dedicated to the memory of Andrej Tarkovskij. The preamble to the film scenario is written by the famous film director Alexander Sokurov. Of certain interest is the novel "Katerina Saveljeva" by Andei Vlizkov, the style of which reminds us of the prose of Andrej Platonov. The play by Andrej Luzhikov "Ydzhyd vishom" (A big desease) deals with the psychological conflict of present day man, whose personified soul may exist separately, and as soon as the man can sell his soul, the soul may be expected to do the same. Very poetic are the stories by Oleg Ulyashov published under the single title "Zyatpu" (Bridegroom). The author is known in the Republic also as a poet and playwrite. This issue of the journal presents two young writers - Alexander Chuvjurov and Alexander Polugrudov (Lytun Lyosh). It is their literary debut.

The section "Zyrjanskije Studii" presents researches of different aspects of the Komi culture - linguistics, literature ethnology. The questions discussed in them are reflected in their titles.

1. Jevgenij Tsypanov. Potential of the Komi literary language and the language policy.
2. Pavel Limerov. Life and death in the philosophical lyrics by Ivan A. Kuratov.
3. Valentina Limerova. Hero and the theme of war in the story "One of 14 million" by Veniamin Chistalyov.
4. Valerij Sharapov. Sleep and dreams in the Komi folklore (on the nature of sleep in traditional notions).
5. Nikolai Konakov. Ancient Komi mythology.

In the section "Names. Archives" new studies of life and creative work of the known Komi philosopher and writer Kallistrat Zhakov are published. The story of his life "Zyrjanskij Faust" is written by Igor Zherebtsov. The Petersburg period of Zhakov's life is described in the article "K.F.Zhakov at the Psychoneurological Institute". The journal publishes selected lyrics by Kallistrat Zhakov. The article "One Motherland - two destinies" by Dmitrij Nesanelis and Victor Semyonov compares the biographies and scientific heritage of two outstanding scientists Vasilij P. Nalimov and Pitirim A.Sorokin. The last section entitled "Art-fact" publishes the article "In search of Komi music" by Michail Gertsman. The art critic Irina Kotyleva presents two young artists - Pavel Mikushev and Juruj Lisovskij. Another material by the same author which is entitled "Across the infinite sea a duck glided" describes the unique exhibition "Ways of myths - ways of people" at the Museum of local lore. Valentina Morozova rewies some theatre performances. Valerij Manakov analyses the posthumous book of lyrics by Dmitrij Frolov. Reviews of conferences and most significant publications of 1996 may also be found in this issue of the journal.