The exhibition "Soviet Surrealism. 1953-1968" opened at the Russian Academy of Arts

From November 23 to December 10, residents of St. Petersburg have the opportunity to attend an exhibition dedicated to such an extraordinary phenomenon as Soviet surrealism. The development of this direction of Russian painting is directly related to the turn in the history of the country that was observed after the death of Stalin.

People of art, who instantly felt the weakening of the grip of state censorship, created masterpieces full of the spirit of freedom, independence and pure, undisguised, “official” emotions. The basis of the exposition was paintings by students of the Repin Art Institute, who were created and protected as diploma projects during the Khrushchev thaw.

The wave of changes that swept the country instilled in youth a deep confidence that the dream to change the world is real! Therefore, each work is filled with inner strength and sparkling joy. Bright, saturated, rich colors. Uninhibited poses and free layout of figures on canvas. A variety of plots and emotions. - How can such works leave anyone indifferent?

Life in young artists was in full swing and gave rise to wonderful images that still charge visitors with their extraordinary energy and desire for high ideals. It is difficult to pass without emotions past the works of young creators: Yuri Penushkin, Oleg Gadalov, Vladimir Ushakov, Eduard Borisenko, Boris Vlasov, etc.

Some works are optimistic, others are full of lyrics, and not many are reminiscent of the tragedy of the war years and the hardships that people have experienced. But even sad plots are full of strength and desire to withstand all blows of fate at all costs. Everyone who experiences a lack of energy and joy from their own existence is worth visiting the exhibition.

Eve Istr