Introduction
Museum Collection
June 20, 2024 - July 27, 2024
Gallery Chang is pleased to announce a solo exhibition featuring the work of the internationally renowned Russian-American artist, Yuri Gorbachev. Drawing inspiration from his childhood memory in Russia, the radiant jewel tones of Byzantine art, and the intricate craftsmanship of Peter Carl Fabergé, a famous Russian goldsmith, Gorbachev creates vivid, richly textured paintings through the use of oil, gold, silver, and bronze.
Gorbachev’s work, characterized by the application of specially formulated lacquer and glazing techniques, reflects his classical training and expertise in ceramics acquired in Russia.
Gorbachev, born in the Soviet Union in 1948, established a successful career as a ceramicist specializing in sculpture in his home country. His native region of Novgorod (Новгород) produced one of the foremost schools of icon paintings, established by Andrei Rublyov, who was a disciple of the renowned Byzantine artist Feofan the Greek. Gorbachev regards Rublyov as a major influence on his art, alongside Picasso, Rousseau, Kandinsky, and Malevich.
In 1991, upon arriving in the US, Gorbachev transitioned from ceramics to working with oil on canvas, making the beginning of the most prolific period of his career. Since then, Gorbachev has exhibited his work in nearly three hundred exhibitions worldwide. His works also have been widely collected by renowned international galleries and museums, including the Russian National Museum, the Louvre, the National Armenian Gallery, and the Clinton White House, among others.
Gorbachev's global appearances have enabled him to extensively travel, particularly in Asia. The inspiration he gained from his trips to Asia has profoundly shaped his art-making, leading him to weave the cultural influences from his journeys and childhood memories into his canvas. In 1995, Gorbachev went to Bali, and the profound impact of this previously unfamiliar culture led him to incorporate Indonesian motifs, such as floral patterns, as a central element in his still-life series.
Gorbachev’s longing for his homeland also plays an important role in his art. In his landscapes series, Gorbachev channels this nostalgia into a vibrant kaleidoscope of Russian scenes. His works depict vivid visual imagery, including a racing troika (a type of Russian carriage) and buildings reminiscent of Moscow’s iconic St Basil’s Cathedral, against the backdrop of snowy, idyllic countryside. Sometimes Gorbachev blends a diverse array of visual tropes from still life and landscape series into one canvas, featuring wild animals, lush flora, and enigmatic figures carrying a symbol of the sun, moon, and star. His unique way of juxtaposing various cultural influences yields paintings that reinterpret both Asian and Russian myths, fairy tales, and landscapes, thereby opening up a realm of curiosity and imagination. Notably, Gorbachev’s art stands out for its ability to interweave diverse cultures and imagery, brought to life through vibrant colors, dynamic figures, and imagination.
Installation Views
