Minneapolis (February 23, 2016) – Masterpieces of the 20th Century: Russian Realist Tradition, sixty superb works by prominent Soviet artists of the post-WWII period, will open on March 19 at The Museum of Russian Art.
This assemblage of renowned artists includes Sergei Gerasimov, Konstantin Maksimov, Vladimir Stozharov, Geli Korzhev, and many others. Technically proficient and stylistically diverse, these works transcend the rigid categories of stereotypical Soviet art. Their rich, vigorous brushwork explores the unique tradition of Russian realism, breathing new life into artistic trends that flourished in pre-revolutionary Russia.
In the spirit of the Soviet epoch, these paintings were intended to appeal to the masses. Universally understood themes, detailed story telling, and masterful execution were designed to be accessible to all Soviet citizens regardless of their educational level. However, the thematic straightforwardness of these works conceals a sophisticated artistic process and a complex cultural code.
Realism in art of the Soviet era was unique in its approach to the surrounding world. Rather than focusing on everyday subjects and themes, Soviet realism strove to educate, uplift, or indoctrinate; and it did so by selectively representing or sometimes embellishing reality.
In the atmosphere of state control over the arts, many artists created their own understanding and interpretation of the tenets of Soviet ideology or, as an alternative, retreated into the themes of nature, be it landscapes, people, or still lifes.
The Museum of Russian Art, a non-profit, educational institution, is the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to the preservation and exhibition of all forms of Russian art and culture from different eras.
TMORA is located in a state-of-the-art, historical building at 5500 Stevens Ave. S. (intersection of I-35W and Diamond Lake Road) in Minneapolis. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday-Friday), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday) and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday). Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 14 and up, as well as university students with ID; children under 14 are free. Museum members receive free admission.
To learn more about the Museum’s exhibitions, events and history, visit tmora.org or call 612-821-9045.
THIS ACTIVITY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE VOTERS OF MINNESOTA THROUGH A MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD OPERATION SUPPORT GRANT, THANKS TO A LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND, AND A GRANT FROM WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION MINNESOTA.
