Krasnopevtsev. Equilibrium of Unequal

Dmitry Krasnopevtsev was one of the leading figures of unofficial art. A philosopher-artist, mystic, and symbolist, his work stands in opposition to the bustle and haste of the modern world.

Dmitry Krasnopevtsev has been called a “keeper of time.” He owned a unique collection of ancient artifacts that transformed his studio into an art object during the artist’s own lifetime. For him, the genre of still life became a symbol of an absolute, metaphysical suspension of time. He referred to his compositions as “metaphysical still lifes,” using them to reflect on ontological categories: life, death, time, and eternity. First, people disappeared from his works; then color vanished; and the still life acquired a new artistic aesthetic. Krasnopevtsev revealed the boundless potential of the still-life genre.

The epigraph to the exhibition was a portrait of Dmitry Krasnopevtsev by Anatoly Zverev — one of Zverev’s finest works. It was shown alongside Krasnopevtsev’s early pieces, his theatrical experiments, and posters. The right-hand gallery of the exhibition was transformed into Richter’s apartment, where piano music performed by the great pianist and Krasnopevtsev’s friend could be heard. Concerts by contemporary composers were also held here during the exhibition.

The core of the exhibition consisted of paintings from different periods, while a special place was given to graphic sheets — Krasnopevtsev’s so-called “alphabet.” The sketches on display contained the elements from which his paintings would later emerge. The exhibition also featured notebooks with the artist’s notes, letters, and drawings.