“The Obvious and the Incredible” – this is the title that well-known Latvian artist Olga Zhuravlyova gave to her solo exhibition at the BIArt Gallery of our Baltic International Academy. The title reflects the exhibition’s content very accurately. The captions beneath the paintings are quite real and understandable – “Night Riga,” “Butterfly-Flowers,” “Wheel of Life,” “Bracelet,” “Hummingbird.” Yet the works themselves inevitably surprise, delight, and provoke reflection, much like encountering something entirely new and unusual. They present extravaganzas of colours, lines, and ornaments combined into paintings born from the artist’s daring imagination, without compass or ruler. It is even difficult to classify them as belonging to any well-known genre of painting.
This was also noted at the exhibition opening by respected art expert, member of the Latvian Artists’ Union and curator of the BIArt Gallery Valentin Danilenko. In his opinion, these are undoubtedly unique works and a unique artistic genre. Some call it abstract ornamentation, others emotional constructivism. But whatever this genre may be called, it was created by Olga Zhuravlyova, and she is the only artist working in it.
But one thing is certain – her works not only astonish but also bring joy. It is no coincidence that her paintings can be found in private collections in Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, the United States and other countries. In Latvia as well, many art lovers consider it an honour to own paintings by Olga Zhuravlyova. Art galleries are also eager to invite her. During a quarter-century of creative work, she has participated in more than forty exhibitions.
At the opening of the new exhibition, where warm wishes were expressed by Valery Makovoy, Maria Abduyeva, Babken Stepanyan, Larisa Shellar and other well-known artists, Olga Zhuravlyova sincerely thanked the BIArt Gallery and the Baltic International Academy for their attention to her work and noted that such support inspires and encourages her to search for new subjects.
The exhibition is located in the BIA academic building at 4 Valerijas Seiles Street and will continue until the end of June. Admission is free on weekdays from 10:00 till 16:00.
In the photos: Valentin Danilenko and Olga Zhuravlyova are opening the exhibition. The first visitors viewing the intriguing exhibition. Two works by Olga Zhuravlyova – “Night Riga” and “Manipura” (“Place of Treasures”).
Photos by Georgy Kozlov.
