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memphis  |  st. john

 

 

While many might assume that growing up north of the Arctic Circle on the Kolsky peninsula of northern Russia would provide little inspiration for a painter, Yan Karpovich’s paintingsl dispel this perception.

His work provides insight into the tremendous diversity of northern Russia’s wild nature as well as the Russian spirit in this post-Cold War era.  With his father, Georgy, head of the Murmansk Artist Union during the 1970s, Yan grew up seeing first-hand the restrictions and control Russian artists previously experienced.  Now, in this post-Gorbachev era, choice and diversity are clearly evident in the subject matter, technique, and mediums of Yan’s work – a theme evident in the new works of Russian artists.   Thus, his art is neither theoretical nor pastoral but steeped in the melancholic passions of the artist.

However, it is the mood of the pieces that provides the great reveal. The artist’s mood is conveyed through his orchestration of "music in colors."  His contemporary landscape and still-life paintings express this motif.  Yan finds harmony of colors and depth of soul by pulling from a pallet that is influenced by both the political climate as well as the geography of his childhood home.  The Kolsky peninsula and Murmansk area ranges from tundra to forest along with the Khibiny mountains lying between the Barents and White Sea.   

The ravages of war and strife which includes the fast tempo of the march of commercialism are evident given the dark, haunting and surreal tones found in a significant portion of the exhibit.  Conveyed through roofs slick with ice and tree limbs undulating in the blowing snow, the moody passions of the Russian soul are easily evoked.   

In Yan's works, the colorful tapestry of the Northern Lights and the jewel-toned minerals of the Khibiny mountains are in sharp contrast to the notion that this is a barren land.  The brightly crimson eudialyte is reflected in “Red Dawn.”  Whereas, “Blue Mosque” echoes the dark-blue corundum mined in this extreme northern wilderness.   

Since the chaotic days of the Gorbachev era, Russian Art has been gaining popularity in the West.  International interest in the rich and varied talents of Russian artists and artists from the ex-Soviet Union republics is exploding. Over the past year, sales of Russian art at the two major auction houses, Sotheby's and Christie's in London and New York, reflect this significant growth in interest and value as collectors seek the works of this artist community that is now able to create without the restrictions of the past containing their spirit.   

T Clifton Art is proud to represent Yan Karpovich in the United States.

 

 

 

 

Personal:    Born on Kolsky peninsula, Russia, 1967.  Currently resides in Saint Petersburg, Russia.  Opening                           Reception marks first visit to U.S.

Profile:        Classically trained artist.  Contemporary landscape and still-life paintings in gouache, pastel,                           and charcoal on paper.  Primary influences are the diversity and wild nature of his homeland                           which lies above the Polar Circle.

Education: Novgorod and Saint Petersburg Art Schools;  Studied under leading Russian artists of 20th                           century from Riga, Petrozanvodsk, Moscow, Kiev, and Baku. Of note, mentors included Boris                           Pomortsev, Nikolay Morozov, and Victor Yershov, all of whom were awarded the Honored                           Artist of the Russian Federation and the USSR award.

                          In addition, Yan’s talent and mastering of various painting techniques were mentored by his                           father, Georgy Karpovich, who led the Murmansk Artist Union during the 1970s, a branch of                           the National Artist Union of Russia.   

Exhibitions: Current – Natural Science Museum in Kolsky peninsula;  Solo exhibits in Novgord, Pskov,                           Saint Petersburg, and Moscow

 

Reviews from White Nights|Dark Days

Highlights from Opening Reception

Enchanted Darkness

Eullience

Duet

Autumn Beauty

Please visit the gallery to see other great pieces by Yan currently available