An exhibition of the famous Russian sculptor “Alexander Rukavishnikov: Transformation after Bruegel” opens in Ulyanovsk

On February 21, the exhibition “Alexander Rukavishnikov: Transformation after Bruegel” opens at the Ulyanovsk Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition is the result of long-term cooperation between the Museum and the Left Bank Foundation for the Development of Contemporary Art.

The exhibition includes 34 bronze sculptures of People's Artist of Russia Alexander Iulianovich Rukavishnikov and reproductions of famous works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Jan Bruegel the Elder, based on the motives on which the sculptures were created.

For the first time, the exhibition “Alexander Rukavishnikov: Transformation after Bruegel” was exhibited in 2023 at the Samara Regional Art Museum on the initiative of the Museum of Contemporary Realism (Togliatti). In Ulyanovsk, such a project will be the first bright event offering unique transformations based on Bruegel paintings by one of the outstanding sculptors of Russia, People's Artist of Russia Alexander Iulianovich Rukavishnikov.

Irina Yanovskaya, director of the Museum of Contemporary Realism, notes: “Alexander Rukavishnikov conceived and brought to life the idea of recreating in volume the images of various characters in the paintings of the father and son of Bruegel... The sculptor, as if developing the artist’s idea, carefully works out the faces of the characters, the details of their costumes and other nuances . This allows the viewer to deeply feel the spirit of the era and immerse themselves in the life of the Flemings in the 16th–17th centuries. The impression is enhanced by the presence of color: the bronze sculptures are skillfully decorated using the cold painting method, which makes them even more alive and realistic. By transferring Bruegel’s characters from the plane of the picture into three-dimensional space, the sculptor “transformed” them into modern times, making them closer and more understandable to us.”

During the exhibition, upon prior request, excursions and conversations will be held: “The Art of the Netherlands in the Renaissance.” “The Work of Pieter Bruegel”, “The Dynasty of Sculptors Rukavishnikov”, “Sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov”, a media program dedicated to the work of Pieter Bruegel will be presented.

Exhibition partners:
Foundation for the Development of Contemporary Art “Left Bank” and Architectural Studio “Simbirskproekt”.

From February 21 to March 17, 2024