Culture – Humanity's Memory

The April 2025 issue of the newspaper "Traditional Sangha of Russia" would be incomplete without the testimonies of young artists from other countries currently studying at the St. Petersburg Academy of Art named after Ilya Repin. Students from the painting department shared their reflections on the legacy of Nikolai Roerich and the role of the artist in the contemporary world.

Beyond a broad vision, it is necessary to be rooted in an aspiration for the good of society, using accessible philosophical concepts that help convince others of the importance of preserving artistic values. All this led Nikolai Roerich to the creation of the Pax Cultura (Peace Pact), which preserves not only cultural objects—it preserves the cultural memory of humanity, which future generations turn to in search of spiritual strength and support. Established by Nikolai Roerich in the form of the Peace Pact, this landmark is important for any artist who takes their work seriously. The preservation of monuments and material testimonies of culture in times of both conflict and peace holds enormous significance.

Stefan Alexandarski (Macedonia), 1st-year painting student, notes: "In the late 19th century, Nikolai Roerich began his long journey as a tireless painter, traveler, explorer, philosopher, and protector of antiquity. His impressions from early expeditions show a deep love for his country's legacy. For him, it was impossible to leave unprotected what holds within it the memory of our ancestors' lives. The treaty for the protection of cultural heritage is the result of love for one's own land, respect for ancestors, and the pursuit of sincerity in one's own heart."

Park Kyung Min (South Korea), 2nd-year painting student, emphasizes: "It is extremely important to perceive the value of cultural heritage and art because only then can we feel that we must preserve it and pass it on to future generations. The preservation of cultural monuments is the preservation of roots, which contributes to the formation of national identity, the self-identification of a nation, and serves as a source of spiritual strength for humans."

Tran Duc Minh (Vietnam), assistant-intern in the painting course, believes: "Roerich was not an artist in the conventional sense. He was an incredible man who went far beyond artistic mastery. Art itself is neutral—it is a unique tool. If an artist's voice sounds pure and loud, it means they possess both talent and noble ideals. We can and must express the yearning for peace—to speak not only for ourselves but for those who are difficult to hear."

​

Guilherme Felipe Ribeiro Gomes Silva (Brazil), 1st-year painting student, adds: "Nikolai Roerich, who knew history well, was aware of the importance of protecting our legacy. His experience showed that cultural values can only be preserved during wartime if an international treaty exists. People like Roerich face difficulties, but their perseverance inspires us to reflect on the profound meaning of our creation and our responsibility. Art is a bridge between the past and the future."

​

Anna Petrova (Russia), 3rd-year painting student, says: "Roerich's legacy is an example of the synthesis of arts and philosophy. His paintings are philosophical treatises written in ink. In our time, art must unite people, reminding them of common roots. The Peace Pact is the practical embodiment of the idea that culture is a heritage of all humanity."

Li Zheng (China), 2nd-year printmaking student, observes: "Roerich combined the soul of an artist with the will of a social activist. His example shows that we can be active participants in society's life. Our art can be a tool for enlightenment, for defending peace and cultural heritage, especially in the age of informational noise."

Maria Ivanova (Russia), postgraduate student in Art History, summarizes: "It is difficult to overestimate Roerich's contribution to world culture. His Pact established the ethical foundation for the relationship with heritage. Contemporary artists should look to Roerich's legacy as a handbook of civic responsibility."

The editorial board expresses its special gratitude to Konstantin Anatolievich Evgeniev, Head of the Department for Work with International Students at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, for his support in preparing this publication.

The theme of culture as humanity's memory, raised by Nikolai Roerich, remains relevant, and it is gratifying to see that young artists from different parts of the world are aware of their role in its preservation and enrichment.