THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART JOINS STATE-WIDE CELEBRATION OF RUSSIA

Soviet Era Paintings Commemorate the Artistic Achievements of Russian Artists of the 1930s

(NORFOLK, VA)—Join us as we explore the full richness and beauty of Russian culture at the Chrysler Museum of Art this season. In conjunction with Virginia Celebrates Russia, a state-wide celebration of Russian culture involving  other major arts organizations such as the Virginia Orchestra, Virginia Opera, Virginia Chorale, Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, and the Miller Center of Public Affairs, the Chrysler Museum is proud to introduce its newest exhibition, Soviet Era Paintings from the Chazen Museum of Art, currently open for public viewing.

“The Chrysler is honored to present this selection of seldom-seen paintings from the former Soviet Union as a part of a state-wide celebration of all things Russian,” says Director Bill Hennessey. “As always, we are delighted to be working with our colleagues at the Virginia Opera on the occasion of their new production of Eugene Onegin, highlighting the connection between the visual and performing arts.”

These paintings, drawn from the collection of the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin, give visitors a realistic view of Russian culture during a time when the government used the arts as a way to promote political ideologies. During the 1930s, policies were created to unify aesthetic and ideological objectives by restricting artists’ creativity, only allowing them to create works of art that followed specific guidelines. The four categories that were considered unacceptable by the government during this era included political, religious, erotic, and "formalistic" art, which included abstraction, expressionism, and conceptual art. Artists who were unwilling to adapt to the new policy were forced out of their positions, and were often either murdered or sent to the gulag. Soviet Era Paintings from the Chazen Museum of Art pays tribute to those artists who continued to pursue their passions despite the harsh restrictions.
 
To further highlight the significance of art during this era, the Chrysler will feature a special film series dedicated to Russian culture. Films include The Russian Ark, Alexander Nevsky, and Eugene Onegin. Each movie will be shown on Wednesday nights through the month of January at 7 p.m.  Please visit www.chrysler.org for more details.

Also, the Chrysler Museum and Virginia Opera have joined forces to give guests the ultimate cultural experience. Guests are invited to enjoy a 10-day, professionally guided tour in Russia. Participants will enjoy Russian cuisine and have the unique opportunity to attend spectacular performances of opera, theatre, and ballet. The trip includes 20 meals, an expert guide, admission to several cultural events and institutions, a special welcome reception and farewell dinner, and passage on an express afternoon train from Moscow to St. Petersburg with dinner onboard. For information or to register, please call 757-333-6318 or email dgrulke@chrysler.org.

Soviet Era Paintings from the Chazen Museum of Art will be on view until April 27, 2008.

Members of the media in need of high-resolution images of the exhibition may contact the Office of Communications at 757.333.6295 or publicrelations@chrysler.org for more information