I visited the Saatchi Gallery in the Kings Road to see
an exhibition on Russian Art. Split into two, the lower galleries feature work
in the “Gaiety is the most outstanding
feature of the Soviet Union: New Art from Russia” exhibits. The title could
not be further from the truth. In fact I’d be surprised if the word ‘gaiety’
had ever passed a Russians lips on the evidence of this exhibition. The works
featured photography of hard, beaten and battered Soviets. Criminals covered in
homemade tattoos that contained hidden messages,gang
insignia and
symbols of their crimes. Other pictures featured destitute Russians exposing
themselves in the freezing snow, each with a stoned, inebriated look on their rugged
faces giving just a tiny clue to the extreme lives they must lead.
The photography of Vikenti Nilin was very interesting. It
featured men and women perched on the edge of windowsills and balconies. Not
sitting comfortably but dangling as if about to fall while staring emotionless
into the abyss. The large, black and
white photography was fascinating while being uncomfortable to view.
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| Valery Koshlyakov |
“Breaking The Ice:
Moscow Art 1960-80s” was in the upper galleries. This was perhaps more traditional
and had the feel of work that is over thirty years old. Slightly Pop Art’ish with loads of western influences.
As always with a Saatchi show there is work to like and work to dislike but it
is never boring.
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