K-gallery is a gallery in Petersburg that possesses a fine, extensive collection of paintings from different eras and styles. Exhibits from K-gallery can often be seen even in major state museums. Its own exhibition hall is located on the embankment of the Fontanka River in Petersburg. There are often incredibly interesting exhibitions here, but they are narrowly focused, more for specialists or serious enthusiasts. But sometimes there are quite popular projects featuring the names of world-famous artists. \r\nAnd so it is now.
145 years, of course, is not a milestone anniversary, but it is certainly worthy of a modest, though very idea-driven exhibition about the artist's journey. \r\n\r\nIn the very first hall there are several works by Kuzma Sergeyevich's teachers and his beautiful portraits and self-portraits. Executed in different media, in different techniques and from different angles. Those who are themselves involved in the visual arts know how difficult it is to work in more than one style. But this did not bother the exhibition's subject at all. Oil, pastel, watercolor, and graphics! Petrov-Vodkin is an incredibly bold and even audacious artist. \r\nIt's also worth recalling his literary work. He wrote, illustrated, and published artistic works. Examples of illustrations for his 'Aoyi' are also at the exhibition.
The large hall on the second floor is devoted to the pre-revolutionary stage of his work associated with religious painting. Here one can see the artist's ambiguous attitude toward religion. Biblical subjects intertwine in his work with everyday scenes and vice versa. These include 'Christ the Sower', 'The Expulsion from Paradise', and, of course, 'Petrograd Madonna'. By the way, the exhibition in this hall is brilliantly complemented by antique icons from the gallery's collection.
It is always interesting to observe and study private owners of works of art. Ilya Isaakovich Paleev is known in Petersburg as a Soviet professor who assembled a magnificent collection. His son preserves the collection and we often see works from it at exhibitions. Many works by Petrov-Vodkin come from this private collection.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, which is quite logical, the exhibition tells about the artist's teaching activities and presents several works by pupils who were followers and developed the master's ideas. \r\n\r\nThe exhibition will run until December 31, and may even remain open over the Christmas holidays. Don't miss it!
