A Journey Through Russian Artistry
This week, you are invited to explore multifaceted works by Russian artists of different eras.
Nicholas Roerich
New Tretyakov Gallery
Open until March 10
This exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Nicholas Roerich's extraordinary contributions to both Russian and global artistic heritage. Spanning the period from 1897 to 1947, it presents Roerich's diverse and expansive artistic journey through a collection of over a hundred paintings and graphic sheets, complemented by archival documents.
Roerich's distinctive artistry, characterised by its poetic themes, spiritual symbolism, and intellectual freedom, is presented through iconic works such as 'The Messenger,' 'Guests from Overseas,' 'Guga Chauhan,' and 'The Emissary.' Furthermore, this exhibition underscores Roerich's diverse talents, not only as a painter but also as an artist who ventured into theatre and architecture. A particularly remarkable inclusion in this exhibition is the monumental backdrop created by Roerich for the 1908 ballet Polovtsian Dances, which had its debut in Paris as part of the renowned Russian Ballet of Sergei Diaghilev. This colossal canvas, measuring an impressive 10x23 meters, holds the distinction of being the largest piece in the Tretyakov Gallery's collection. Acquired from abroad in 2021, it is in the process of extensive restoration, with the first phase completed in time for the exhibition's opening.
The exhibition thus emerges as a scholarly and insightful retrospective, serving as a testament to Roerich's enduring influence on the art world and offering a rare glimpse into his diverse artistic pursuits. It encapsulates his remarkable life's work as an important chapter in the history of Russian and global cultural heritage.
Address: 10 Krymsky Val
Opening Hours: Sun, Tue, Wed 10 am–6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); Thu, Fri, Sat 10 am–9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
Tickets: 700 RUB; students 400 RUB
Alexei Bogolyubov. To the 200th Anniversary of the Birth
Tretyakov Gallery, Engineering Building
Open until January 21
This display delves into the life and artistic career of Alexey Bogolyubov, a notable figure in Russian art history. With a background as a professional sailor and military hydrographer, Bogolyubov's unique journey led to his designation as an Academician of the Imperial Academy of Arts, specialising in 'Painting of Marine Views.' The exhibition explores his diverse roles, including those of an artist, collector, educator, and founder of the Society of Russian Artists in Paris, as well as his involvement with the Saratov Art Museum.
The core of the exhibition centres on Bogolyubov's extensive series of battle paintings, renowned for their meticulous portrayal of significant victories of the Russian Navy from the time of Peter the Great to 19th-century conflicts. Notably, this exhibition presents Bogolyubov's paintings and related sketches from diverse museum collections, offering viewers the definitive way to explore his art. Among the featured paintings is the depiction of the pivotal Battle of Grengam in 1720, captured in remarkable detail on a canvas from the collection of the Russian Museum in St Petersburg.
The exhibition also underscores Bogolyubov's mastery of plein air (outdoor) painting, featuring sketches created across Russia and Europe. These sketches depict the diverse atmospheres of different regions and showcase his sophisticated painting technique. Importantly, the exhibition includes rare watercolours, sepias, and papier-pellet landscapes from Bogolyubov's personal travel albums, providing a comprehensive view of his artistic journey.
Address: 12 Lavrushinsky Pereulok
Opening Hours: Sun 10 am–8 pm (last entry at 7 pm); Tue, Wed 10 am–6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); Thu, Fri, Sat 10 am–9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
Tickets: 600 RUB; students 350 RUB
The Age of Graphics. From Kazimir Malevich to Oleg Kudryashov
New Tretyakov Gallery
Open until November 12
This exhibition showcases works by some of the most influential Russian artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Among the highlights are pieces by Kazimir Malevich, Alexander Rodchenko, and Varvara Stepanova, leaders of the Russian avant-garde movement.
The exhibition also features works by their direct disciples and followers, including Anastasia Akhtyrko, Ilya Kuleshov, and Pavel Basmanov. Other notable artists from the 1930s, such as Nikolai Lapshin, Vladimir Grinberg, and Tatiana Mavrina, are also represented. Moving into the later 20th century, the exhibition includes works by Viktor Popkov, Nikolai Andronov, and Viktor Vakidin, as well as representatives of the ‘other art’ movement like Vladimir Nemukhin and Mikhail Shvartsman.
The display also features contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of Russian graphics with their innovative spatial and plastic solutions. Among them are Kirill Mamonov, Alexander Livanov, German Cheremushkin, Vladimir Kosynkin, and Galina Vanshenkina. Visitors to the exhibition will be treated to a diverse range of styles and techniques that have helped shape the Russian art scene over the past century.
Address: 10 Krymsky Val
Opening Hours: Sun, Tue, Wed 10 am–6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); Thu, Fri, Sat 10 am–9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
Tickets: 500 RUB; students 300 RUB
Alexander Ivanov—The Master of Watercolor. Genre and Landscape
New Tretyakov Gallery
Open until November 19
This exhibition showcases the exceptional talent of Alexander Ivanov, a historical painter renowned for his mastery of watercolour. The collection features a diverse range of genre and landscape compositions that highlight Ivanov's remarkable skills in the medium.
Ivanov's landscape watercolours are a testament to his mastery of plein air painting. His full-scale studies showcase his ability to solve typical problems associated with outdoor painting, making him an innovator far ahead of his time. Compared to his contemporaries, Ivanov's watercolour art stands out as unique and groundbreaking.
The works presented at the exhibition offer viewers a new and unexpected perspective on Ivanov's artistic prowess. This presentation elevates Ivanov's status as an outstanding master of the watercolour medium, demonstrating his versatility and range as an artist. This exhibition is a must-see for any art lover interested in discovering the full scope of Alexander Ivanov's artistic legacy.
Address: 10 Krymsky Val
Opening Hours: Sun, Tue, Wed 10 am–6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); Thu, Fri, Sat 10 am–9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
Tickets: 500 RUB; students 300 RUB
Text by Maxim Lukianenko and Alexander Tkachenko, bachelor’s students of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication, interns at the HSE University English website team