"Summer Symphony" by Natalia Kabakova

The Russian Academy of Arts together with the Russian Peace Foundation present the exhibition "Summer Symphony" by Natalia Genrikhovna Kabakova, which is a retrospective and brings together about 80 original works: 22 traditional Chinese fans and 62 paintings created by the artist in the gongbi technique, as well as objects related to the artistic technique of Chinese drawing xie-yi. The exhibition is dedicated to the most long-awaited and important time of the year - summer, when nature awakens and is filled with life. This time is inhabited by the fragile heroes of the paintings of the member of the Creative Union of Artists of Russia Natalia Kabakova - fragrant flowers, birds of paradise, delicate butterflies, noble animals and graceful fish.

Author’s works in the Gongbi painting technique (translated from Chinese as "careful or diligent brush") are the embodiment of exquisite beauty. This technique originated in the 2nd century BC (Han Dynasty, 206 - 220 BC). Its characteristic feature is the use of a realistic method of depicting objects of animate and inanimate nature, using traditional Chinese materials: rice paper or hand-made silk, Chinese ink prepared according to ancient recipes from wood ash, water-soluble mineral paints or pigments, as well as bamboo or hand-made wooden brushes. In accordance with tradition, special attention in the Gongbi technique is paid to the construction of the composition and the application of the contour of the future work. The calligraphic lines used in Gongbi are graceful, expressive and graphic. For its splendor, decorativeness, splendor and elegance, it was recognized as the court style of emperors.

The exhibition also features several works in another traditional Chinese technique — Xie-yi (translated from Chinese as “display of an idea”), where the main focus is on the essence of the subject, conveying the inner state of the artist, philosopher and poet who creates the picture. The main thing here is to convey the character of the depicted, the mood and poetry of the moment. The monochrome or tinted technique of Xie-yi painting assumes that one sketch stroke contains the plasticity of “ten thousand strokes”. Spontaneously painted elements embody intuitive images expressing deep philosophical meanings. The fan occupies a significant place in traditional Chinese culture — in ancient times, it was used primarily to protect from the scorching heat. However, it soon acquired a symbolic meaning, reflecting the status of its owner and being used in rituals — craftsmen all over China began to create unique fans, using a variety of materials and decorative elements.

The painstaking application of thin layers of paint, the use of traditional Chinese materials: rice paper or hand-made silk, Chinese ink made from wood ash according to ancient recipes, water-soluble mineral pigments, hand-made bamboo or wooden brushes - this is a sophisticated practice that allows one to contemplate the beauty of the inner and outer world. Perhaps it is in the slowness and consistency of this process that the artist draws strength and inspiration for her work. Natalia Kabakova invites the viewer into her mysterious world, full of beauty, reflection and a sense of joy from contact with the beautiful.

The project was implemented in partnership with the Creative Union of Artists of Russia, the Petr Baryshnikov Foundation for the Development of Art and Photography, and the ProLab Center.