Original design created by Igor Babailov
Conceptual Drawing & Original Composition
by Igor Babailov
Ave Maria University Annunciation Design Contest
Copyright © Igor V. Babailov
Bas-relief (low relief) -
simplified version of Igor Babailov's design, entered in the same competition
by sculptor Marton Varo
< /div>
Click on Images
Click above
Click above
Click
Original Design and Composition by Igor Babailov
Please NOTE: Igor Babailov's design was used to assemble the above sculpture without Igor Babailov's concent, neither was it credited to Igor Babailov
Mass-produced unauthorised sculpture model
Original design by Igor Babailov
Igor Babailov's Original Concept, Composition and the placement of figures in the Ave Maria Annunciation scene (see above) was designed specifically to work and look best in the triangle shape of the 2-dimensional surface of Mosaic, with its magnificent GOLD of mosaic shining in the background. Given that the Oratory's entrance faces West, the Mosaic above the entrance would have produced a SPECTACULAR LIGHT reflected from the sun - the "Light from Within" in the afternoon and evening hours.
It was with that thought in mind, that Babailov came up with such a distinct compositional arrangement in the triangle for two "non-active" figures of Mary and Archangel Gabriel, as these simply positioned two central figures were meant to be accompanied by vibrant Mosaic colors with the powerful and magnificent light of gold surrounding them, also enriched with the hint of flying little angels above them. Such purposely designed combination of calm figures and bright gold creates a balanced visual expressiveness of the Annunciation Scene.
Unlike mosaic, sculpture bears no color nor light. It has been known since the period of Renaissance that in order to be expressive and attractive, sculpture relief must have more action type movement of figures in it. Although, it might be easier to adapt from a ready-made beautiful mosaic composition, than to create one.., what works in mosaic may not work in sculpture. This is why the sculpture relief with two simply positioned white figures on a white background, presents a challenge to reflect the beauty of the miraculous Annunciation...
More about the original design's creation
Sculpture, based on the Mosaic's Compositional Design.
Mosaic
Invited by Ave Maria University to participate in the Annunciation Scene Contest for the newly built Oratory, Igor Babailov created his Original Compositional Design of Annunciation, specifically to compliment the triangle shape of the space on the Oratory's façade. It was openly submitted before the competition started, and adapted into bas- relief sculpture.
Archangel Gabriel is kneeling, he is on the left, pointing with his left hand up at the Holy Spirit above, and Mary is standing on the right, with her left hand on her heart,
they are both standing on the decorative clouds.
In Igor Babailov's original design:
Original design by Igor Babailov, was openly entered before the competition started.
The uncanny resemblance of Varo's sculpture
to Babailov's mosaic
