Breadcrumb
“Elementary Forms and the Anatomy of Feelings” by Vladimir Yankilevsky & Valeri Vinogradov
You are invited to the opening of the new exhibition Vladimir Yankilevsky and Valeri Vinogradov. Elementary Forms and the Anatomy of Feelings at Tallinn Art Hall’s Lasnamäe Pavilion next Friday, 24 January at 6 pm. The exhibition is curated by Tamara Luuk.
Vladimir Yankilevsky, born in Moscow in 1938, and Valeri Vinogradov, born in the same city in 1952, both departed from the Soviet Union. Yankilevsky initially settled in New York in 1988 and later moved to Paris a few years after. In contrast, Vinogradov left for Tallinn in 1980. To what extent does the life trajectory of two artists, developed in a similar cultural environment and political climate, influence the course of their work?
Both are solitary figures with a Russian language and cultural background, steering clear of the hustle and bustle of the art world. Both navigate the complexities of being cosmopolitan while contending with homesickness. Vladimir Yankilevsky, a classic of Soviet alternative art, engages with potent polarities, reveling in metropolises, classical music and jazz. In contrast, Valeri Vinogradov, who finds solace in the security of Estonian nature and values craftsmanship, willingly immerses himself in the subtle textures of his abstractions. He skillfully balances this with satire and mockery conveyed through words. Both possess remarkable talent and breadth. One introduced himself to the Estonian art scene with the compelling sensitivity of abstract paintings in the late 1980s, while the other garnered attention in the global art hubs as early as the 1970s.
With unrelenting criticism, Yankilevsky generalises the oppositions of our world, highlighting the polarities that both cancel and simultaneously support each other – the interplay of light and darkness inherent in the functioning of the world. His sometimes sarcastically bizarre creatures exude an epic genericity in their naked ridiculousness, with the manipulative spirit of Evil lurking in the shadows. In Vinogradov’s portrayal, the human figure gravitates towards cheap vanity and almost even ventures into the realm of pornography. His self-centredness and vices are straightforwardly exhibitionistic.
Both would probably respond to questions about “where?”, “in which way?” and “when?” influence being an artist with “anywhere,” “the only way possible,” and “whenever,” respectively.
Thank you: Rimma Yankilevsky, Anne Parmasto, Shalva Breus Foundation, Estonian Ministry of Culture, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Academy of Arts, Art Museum of Estonia, Tartu Art Museum, French Institute in Estonia, Estonian Embassy in Paris and all private collectors.
Join us for a curator's tour of the exhibition on January 25th at 1 pm in Estonian and 3 pm in Russian. Free admission.
The exhibition at the Lasnamäe pavilion (Jaan Koorti 24) is open until April 6th.
How to get here? Tallinn Art Hall Lasnamäe Pavilion is located at Jaan Koorti 24, Tallinn. You can easily reach the pavilion from the city centre by taking buses 42 or 67. Start at the “Estonia” stop in front of the Solaris shopping centre and continue to the “Kotka kauplus” stop. After exiting the bus, turn right, go up the stairs to the Lindakivi bridge, and after crossing the bridge, you will arrive at the pavilion. If driving along Laagna Road, take the exit from Smuuli Road.
Additional information:
Madli Ehasalu
Tel: +372 5621 8422
E-mail madli@kunstihoone.ee
Tallinna Art Hall
Jaan Koorti 24, Tallinn
Wed–Sun 12.00–19.00
www.kunstihoone.ee
www.facebook.com/TallinnaKunstihoone
www.instagram.com/tallinnarthall
