The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) presents an exhibition of watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky. The exhibition focuses on realistic depictions of Russia’s native mushrooms. Drawing on the collections of Michael Peltsman and the Rich Family, the exhibition includes 25 works by this prominent botanical artist. TMORA is grateful to the art collectors for their contributions.
These watercolors belong to the genre of botanical art. True-to-life renderings of plants and fungi have been used by scholars and lovers of nature for many centuries. As an art form, the genre fosters observation and appreciation of the functionality, diversity, and beauty of the living world.
Alexander Viazmensky paints mushrooms native to northern Russia, such as chanterelle, porcini, and birch mushrooms — a favorite food of the inhabitants of Russian forests, both people and animals. Viazmensky also paints poisonous mushrooms that the artist loves for their spectacular colors and shapes.
Alexander Viazmensky is a resident of St. Petersburg, Russia. He graduated from the Academy of Arts in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) in 1991. His superb works can be found in museums and private collections around the world, including the Hunt Institute in Pittsburgh, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens, London. He is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and one of the founders of the Russian Society of Mycology.
Learn more about the artist: www.alexandermushrooms.com
Russia’s Native Mushrooms: Botanical Watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky is on view in the Robert J. Brokop Gallery September 21, 2024 – February 9, 2025
Amanita muscaria, 2001
Watercolor on paper
On loan from Michael Peltsman
Leccinum versipelle, 2004
Watercolor on paper
On loan from Michael Peltsman
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