Vernissage and David Hall gave a send-off party to the Russian artists Mr.Soloviov, Mr. Sattarov, Ms. Daria and Mr. Chepik. The atmosphere was fabulous.
Later during the day Partners of Vernissage, Mrs. Ambily Binu and Mr. Devadattan Nair (Dattan Nair) gave away the Certificate of Participation to the artists.

Russian artists and Mr.Dattan Nair enjoying a refreshing tea at the David Hall cafe.

Daria and Dimitry at the cafe. Daria is handling PR for Vernissage in Russia. Dimitry is Dattan's friend.

Snaps with the Manager and the staff of David Hall

Mr. Sattarov and Mr. Soloviov with their Certificate of Participation posing with Mr. Dattan Nair

Ms. Daria and Mr. Chepik with their Certificates.

The Certificate of Ms. Antonova Daria

Mrs. Ambily joins the Artists and Mr. Dattan

The last snap,this time, before saying Goodbye............
..................................................................................

Vernissage In Media

Just click on the images to enlarge it.

A Sojourn to Russia

K Surekha 02 Mar 2010

KOCHI: The age-old ties between Russia and India grow stronger in the artistic sphere as well with works of many Russian artists on display at the David Hall, Fort Kochi, taking you into the corridors of Russia.

Awesome are the works of 12 artists - Geraskeevich Valery, Soloviov Anatoli, Sattarov Mansoor, Demko Adolf, Kostamonova Evgeny, Ratkin Vladimor, Mirek Alexei, Elena, Geraskeevich Prlina, Anthonova Daria and Chepik Daniel. Amid them are the works of students (below 14) of the Serov School of Arts in Moscow, one of the oldest art institutes in Russia.

Get to know the culture, social life, politics, architecture, myths and legends of the vast land. The figurative and narrative works enlighten you on the Land of the Tsars. Many a moment typical of Russia has been captured. Soloviov Anatoli, who does conceptualised figurative work, gives you a peek into the revelry of the people. The drinks and accordion ring with their music and spirit. “This is a slice of Russian life,” says Anatoli.

The piece takes you into the deeper levels of life. Anatoli uses a few Russian words that warn about the harmful effects of liquor and many numerals that are left to the viewers to interpret. In another frame, people unwind on a merry- go-round, seated on different animal forms, their expression and emotions quite care free. The rhythm and music of the river Volga are brought out in detail by Sattarav Mansoor. It looks real and full of life. “I admire Gandhiji. He’s another Leo Tolstoy for us. In 1998 I gifted a portrait of Gandhi to the Indian Embassy and I just felt like doing one for this show,” says Mansoor who feels one with Gandhi. Mansoor has captured the character and feeling of the people whom he has profiled, many being his family members.

Russian landscapes in vibrant hues and serene shades of snow-clad trees and houses have a life of their own in Daniel’s works with a touch of Van Gogh in them. His narrative piece is mindboggling.

The soul of heritage buildings can be seen in Daria’s works. Sans human figures, they speak a lot about life. Her colours are unique and bear a distinct style. The stunning works of other artists also show you some facets of Russia.

The frames of the students are interesting. People near Saint Basil’s cathedral on the Red Square, battle scenes with minute details, people relaxing at a cafe and Moscow in the seventh century are captivating. In one frame a young woman floats a floral wreath with candles on them hoping that her man would find it. Many myths, legends and fantasies move you.

The exhibition ‘Zarya’ organised by Vernissage Art Gallery in association with Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi to celebrate ‘Russian Art Week’ will run through March 14.

surekha@expressbuzz.com