Opening August 13, 2011–The Art of Oleg Vassiliev: Discovering 20th Century Russian Masters
MINNEAPOLIS (July 14, 2011) – Opening August 13, the exhibition of works by Oleg Vassiliev is the third in a continuing series of original one-artist shows at TMORA entitled Discovering 20th Century Russian Masters. Previous artists introduced to American audiences in the series were Geli Korzhev and Vasili Nechitailo.
Born in Moscow in 1931, “Oleg Vassiliev is one of the most important artists to emerge from the Soviet unofficial art scene,” said TMORA Curator Maria Zavialova, Ph.D. Vassiliev’s paintings are part of the permanent collections of the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg), the Denver Art Museum, and major museums in Germany, Greece, Norway, and Switzerland. His paintings are also included in prominent American private collections. Oleg Vassiliev is a recipient of a grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, and famed Russian nonconformist artist Eric Bulatov stated, “[his work] affects us all and is important, I am sure, not just for Russian art.”
Vassiliev’s artistic vision rejected the ideologies of state-mandated Socialist Realism. He combined elements of early 20th century avant-garde philosophy with the traditions of the 19th century Russian realist school. The Art of Oleg Vassiliev will include examples of the artist’s achievements in painting, graphics, and children’s book illustrations.
While Vassiliev supported himself as an illustrator following his graduation from the famed V.I. Surikov Art Institute in Moscow, many of his marvelous other works were created in the seclusion of his studio without the state-sponsored patronage provided by the Union of Soviet Artists. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Oleg Vassiliev joined the exodus of Russian artists seeking artistic freedom outside of the Russian Federation. He now resides in Minnesota.
Vassiliev’s works on paper will be exhibited in the Lower Gallery, while his paintings will be displayed on the Mezzanine Level. The Lower Gallery will open August 13; the Mezzanine on September 17. Works for the exhibition are on loan from the artist and his family, as well as from the Kolodzei Art Foundation and notable Vassiliev collector Neil Rector.