A Russian painter in Venice....

12:00 a.m.

29/07/19 - Gely Korzhev (1925-2012), who portrayed Russia in the second half of the 20th century, is having his paintings exhibited at Ca’Foscari (Venice). In “Back to Venice” (the artist participated in the 31st Biennial) we have the chance to explore his works and the different subjects he depicted, from nudes to still lives and WWII memories. All the works are explained through quotes of the artist himself, written throughout the galleries. Here we share a few.

Still life with axe and bitbrace, by Gely Korzhev (1979)

Technique: oil on canvas

Parental Rights Revoked, by Gely Korzhev (2006)

Technique: oil on canvas

“My paintings are never about war, even though war entered my life during my formative years, inevitably leaving a permanent mark, both on an existential and artistic level. I wanted to convey the highest and heroic qualities of humanity, its severe and tragic triumph.”

Adam Andreevich and Eva Petrovna, by Gely Korzhev (1998)

Technique: oil on canvas

"We must think of still lives in psychological terms. The objects are human: a book, a teapot, a basket, a rug, etc. What matters is to define the situation of the owner of these objects: his/her concerns, thoughts and lifestyle."

Soup toureen and pots, by Gely Korzhev (1985)

Technique: oil on canvas

Still Life, by Gely Korzhev (2008)

Technique: oil on canvas

Viennese chair, by Gely Korzhev (1959)

Technique: oil on cardboard

Chair, by Gely Korzhev (1958)

Technique: oil on cardboard

"I was far from thinking I was depicting carriers of hate and evil. I assumed that world was parallel to ours and that these creatures were largely similar to us: thus, when we look at them, seeing ourselves too in that image comes more easily."

New slogan, by Gely Korzhev (1998)

Technique: oil on canvas

Gely Korzhev

Technique: oil on canvas

Seated man (Study for "They Left"), by Gely Korzhev (1954-56)

Technique: oil on canvas

"The essence of the realist method is the artist’s struggle against untruth."

Homer (The Study), by Gely Korzhev (1958-60)

Technique: oil on canvas

The artist, by Gely Korzhev (1961)

Technique: oil on canvas

Why is it interesting to see Korzhev? Because his works are an excellent interpretation of the Soviet. Because he shows us how life in Russia was after the colapse of the Soviet System. Because there’s a strange balance between empathy and social critique. Because he is an artist of incredible skill. Because in his paintings, during the Soviet regime, he was able to present a style of his own, in spite of the strict rules of Stalin’s Era.