From 20 to 25 September 2020 in the exhibition hall of the Moscow Union of Artists (Moscow, Starosadsky per., 5) was held a joint exhibition of the National Union of Pastelists and the Moscow Union of Artists "From the depths. De profundis". This project united works by Russian artists in pastel and mosaic techniques.

Not just two mediums - pastel and mosaic - met, but two great trends: conservative academicism and plastic modernity. We were happy to see how organically they sounded in a single space, and how much interest the exhibition aroused among artists and visitors. They have the floor:

 

Olga Nart Dikaya, @olga_nart_dikaya:

Everything was successful - organisation, exposition, works. The exhibition "From the Depths. De Profundis" is the very case when the true real creativity goes straight to the heart of a sophisticated viewer. It is impossible to list all the works I liked, but here are just a few names: Yuri Melexetian, Ekaterina Posezeltskaya, Vasily Fortovand, of course, Sergey Bakin. Thank you to the curators for the opportunity to touch genius and craftsmanship.

 

Ekaterina Zryadchikova, @deneuvushka:

On Sunday 20 September I attended the opening of the exhibition "From the Depths. De Profundis", organised by the National Union of Pastelists and the Moscow Union of Artists. It is a wonderful idea to combine mosaics and pastels in one exposition. Mosaics for me, first of all, is a monumental art, and I associate it with large-scale mosaic panels, which decorated ancient temples, or which look so beautiful in the décor of the Moscow Metro. The exhibition presents a completely different mosaic, it is rather chamber, delicate and very airy. And, perhaps, it is with these features that it most of all overlaps with pastels.

Artists working in pastel never cease to amaze with their variety of styles, motifs and excellent technique. I met many familiar names at the exhibition, and I saw some of their works for the first time.

The exposition has been compiled with great taste, and it can be felt that it has been compiled with love. And the exhibition hall of the Moscow Union of Artists in an old mansion adds depth to the exhibition and creates a special atmosphere. I would like to thank the curators Olga Abramova and Anna Kaluginaand all the organisers and volunteers for a wonderful exhibition and wish new interesting projects and creative success!

 

Anastasia Blinova, @blinovaart:

Once again I would like to write about the exhibition "From the Depths. De Profundis" (a joint project of the National Union of Pastelists of Russia and the Moscow Union of Artists). It took place in the centre of Moscow, in Starosadsky Lane. The very place with its atmosphere already sets the mood for wonderful impressions. A beautiful old mansion, bright halls, aesthetic delight! At the exhibition were presented amazing in beauty and sophistication paintings, which perfectly complement the skilful mosaic panels. In total, about 70 works.

The exposition was organised down to the last detail! I wanted to stand and look at each work for a long time, enjoying the combination of colours, composition and trying to figure out the author's technique, to understand his idea. The exhibition and the atmosphere of the place tuned to meditative mood and harmony. It is impossible not to mention the beautiful paintings Olga Abramova, Sergei Bakin, Victor Braginsky, Elena Tatkina, Elena Tarutina, Irina Klimova, Sergei Usik, Anna Kalugina and many other masters!

 

Anna Lonshakova, @_anna_lonshakova:

The exhibition "From the Depths" is a space in which mosaic and pastel are combined. Harmony of textures, rhythms and subtle combinations of colours.

Enjoyed being inspired by the artists work. I liked the evening light in the works Vladislav Tatarinova and Olga Gusevaalmost watercolour-like, tinkling pastels. Irina Klimova. Tenderness and beauty in the works Olga Abramovamelancholy in masterful pastels. Sergei UsikI liked the high level of work on display, and the layout and arrangement of the works was very comfortable in terms of theme, colour, imagery and textures. Thank you to the organisers for the beautiful space and aesthetic pleasure of the exhibition, which harmoniously combined a large number of participants.

 

Shamil Zakariyayev, @zakariyaev_art:

It's a pleasure to be among the participants in our Pastel Union's wonderful exhibition. It's really cool! It feels as if everyone in the Union is a family. The atmosphere of the holiday, and it is evident from the faces.

I was doubly pleased to be at this event because I came to it from so far away - from Dagestan. I was very happy to meet artists whom I had previously only seen on social networks, because live communication is also important to understand what kind of person they are.

Before going to the exhibition, my students asked to speak to the Olga Abramova, Elena Tatkina and Irina Klimova and ask them some questions to motivate the kids. I'm grateful that the artists took the time to answer the questions, the kids will be happy!

The organisation of the exhibition was excellent, the exposition was worthy. It is immediately obvious that everyone there is a pro, strong works. Of the paintings, the most memorable were Olga Abramova, Sergei Usik, Irina Klimova, Elena Lobovikova and Vladislava Tatarinova.

I believe that those people who created the Union are GREAT GOOD people. It helps a lot in the development of pastels in the regions.

Is it worth visiting such exhibitions? I think it is unforgivable for a person interested in art to miss them. There are so many works there that make you want to create and develop yourself! That is why I strongly advise you to attend such events.

 

Natalia Zhukova, @agapinka:

I am glad that I was able to visit the exhibition. Having seen the theme and the announcement, I was very interested in how fresco, mosaic and pastel would look in the same space? It turned out that these techniques have quite a lot of points of contact: natural muted colours of pastel pigments, surfaces of fresco and dusty stone, interesting textures. In general, I liked the variety of presented techniques and pastel works. The exhibition is small, but I wanted to go round several times, returning to the works, comparing feelings.

Works Elena Tarutina and of Ekaterina Pozetselskaya I was particularly interested in this, as textures are my weakness. I also looked at the works for a long time Alexei Zhuchkovseemingly small and seemingly simple, but so expressive in the combination of the austerity of the background and the jewellery of the small pieces of stone pattern. It was great to meet the organisers and talk about the concept of the exhibition.