Exhibition of paintings of the sixties legend Pavel Nikonov in the gallery "Ark"

MOSCOW. The gallery "Ark" opened an exhibition of works of the legend of the sixties, the artist Pavel Nikonov. Art historians believe that the artist’s work was an important factor in the development of art of the middle of the last century. The exhibition, called "Then and Now", comprised sixty paintings by the painter from private collections.

Many art connoisseurs still recall with surprise how the painting by Pavel Nikonov “Geologists”, considered among the Russian artists to be the ancestor of the so-called “severe style”, fell under Khrushchev’s hot hand. It was a famous exhibition of 1962, where artists heard a lot of “kind” words addressed to their innovative works.

None of those present then understood why the canvas depicting resting geologists in an absolutely real style did not please the head of state. Now this painting by Pavel Nikonov is located in the Tretyakov Gallery, decorating its permanent exhibition.

Even before the opening of the exhibition, many were wondering why the "Ark" decided to turn to the work of Nikonov. Usually, if a retrospective exhibition is organized here, then its exposition should either surprise the audience or be the work of a completely unknown artist. Nikonov is known as a classic, he has all the titles worthy of his work, he is constantly working.

Just visiting the exhibition, it becomes clear that the organizers of the exhibition decided to show the changed style of painting by Pavel Nikonov. The laconic canvases of the sixties, after the artist changed his city life to retreat in the Volga village, completely changed his painting style from harsh realism to avant-garde expressionism

Old and new works of Pavel Nikonov can be seen until April 30th.

Ludmila Trautmane © Gallerix.ru