A personal exhibition of the famous Soviet and Russian artist, academician Viktor Kalinin opened in Novosibirsk
The exhibition at the Novosibirsk State Art Museum, entitled “Reflections,” opens up to viewers the world of a great master, whose work is imbued with deep meaning and exquisite form.
The exhibition presents more than 60 works by Viktor Kalinin, created in different years of his life – from the 1960s to the first decade of the 21st century. Name “Reflections“carries a deep meaning and philosophy that reveals many aspects of the artist’s life and work. This word embodies the idea of absolute light, which sometimes illuminates so powerfully that a person dissolves in it. “Reflections“is a reflection of exciting and interesting moments. They can be meetings with people, historical events… This concept is considered not only from the physical side, but also from the intellectual, spiritual side, including reflections from books read, exhibitions seen and other sources of inspiration.
— People tend to bathe in the reflections they feel. And today is a reflection of my childhood, my youth. A reflection of Siberia as the most precious place where I was born. A reflection of my parents,” shares Viktor Kalinin.
The artist’s work reflects his spiritual heritage and memories of childhood and youth. As the youngest of 12 sons in a large family with strong Old Believer traditions, Victor grew up in an atmosphere where the values of family and community played an important role. His family went through difficult post-war years, the artist’s older brother died, but despite this, the family lived “in paradise.”
“My three brothers were at war, two returned. The father, who was drafted in 1942, met his son near Narva. I went through the whole war with him. The moment of farewell due to demobilization (the older ones were released earlier) is depicted in one of the paintings. It was a tiny photograph that I penetrated and added a little to everything that was felt between the son and father. This is one of the most important works, in memory of my favorite people,” the artist shares his memories.
Iconography and religious themes also play a significant role in the work of Viktor Kalinin. His work, dedicated to Archpriest Avvakum, is a symbol of contact with history and culture, as well as a reflection of respect for the great personalities of the past. In the work of Victor Kalinin, meaning and form are closely intertwined, creating a unique and profound art. He emphasizes that one cannot exist without the other, and depending on the context and inspiration, either the meaning or the form may prevail.
The artist does not follow strict rituals before starting work on a new painting. He describes himself as a technological barbarian who paints in unconventional ways, following inspiration and interacting with the canvas. This connection between the creator and the material allows him to create works of art that personify his inner world and view of the environment.
Exhibition “Reflections“at the Novosibirsk State Art Museum is not just an event in the world of art, it is a meeting with a great master, whose work continues to inspire and amaze with its beauty and depth.
Elena YAKOVLEVA | Photo by the author
Tags: Reflection Life Creativity Novosibirsk
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