The pal project gallery in Paris is currently hosting a unique exhibition featuring the works of four Russian artists who have chosen to live in exile following the invasion of Ukraine by their home country. Running until February 3, the gallery is displaying the artworks of these artists, while the Dina Vierny gallery has recreated the historic exhibition of Moscow dissidents that first gained attention in 1973.
The original “Russian Avant-garde: Moscow 1973” exhibition in Paris brought the works of relatively unknown dissident artists to the forefront of European art scene. These artists, later referred to as “anti-conformists,” faced immense challenges but continued to create powerful and thought-provoking art that resonated with audiences around the world.
Fifty years later, the grandchildren of gallery owner Dina Vierny have chosen to recreate the original exhibition and showcase the works of contemporary Russian dissidents at the pal project gallery. The project was entrusted to Dimitri Ozerkov, a former curator at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, who moved to France after publicly opposing the invasion of Ukraine.
Among the artists showcased is Andrei Kuzkin, who was imprisoned after demonstrating against the war in Moscow and later sought refuge abroad. His works reflect the human cost of conflict. Pavel Otdelnov, currently residing in London, presents haunting depictions of abandoned Soviet remnants and a chilling portrayal of the war’s impact. Katya Muromtseva, now in New York, has used her art to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and bring awareness to the repercussions of the war. Finally, Evgeny Granilshchikov, currently living in Clermont-Ferrand, has expressed his protest against the war through his transformative artwork and a thought-provoking performance piece.
These artworks serve as a reminder of the enduring power of art to reflect the social and political realities of our time. As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of war, these artists have bravely chosen to use their platform to advocate for peace and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the exhibition in Paris highlights the resilience and the powerful potential of art to shine a light on the most pressing issues of our time.
