Display of Paintings by Alexander Labas in Tsereteli Art Gallery
Tsereteli Art Gallery in Moscow presents an exhibition of works by a gifted and distinctive Russian artist, one of the founders of the Society of Easel Painters (OST), which included such noted artists as Yuri Pimenov, Alexander Deineka, Alexander Tyshler, Sergei Luchishkin and others.
His early experiments in non-objective art, constructivism mastered by the painter during his training and teaching in Higher Art and Technical Workshops in Moscow had a profound effect on development of avant-garde direction of his creative endeavors. The hallmark of his style is post-futurist expressionism reacting to all innovations introduced into modern life by new technologies. His special pictorial manner makes oil paints look like a light, transparent watercolor creating a feeling of flight. Labas also painted nature, historical and architectural landscapes, was known for his bright portraits. In the 1970s, when many painters turned back to portraying earthly reality, Alexander Labas, on the contrary, exploited his potential in peculiar abstract works devoted to the Universe.
The exhibition features his works of 1920s-1970s, many of which have never been on display. They are drawn from the artist’s family collection and one again prove that Labas is inexhaustible. This selection of works is a good opportunity to witness many facets of his talent as a portraitist, landscape painter, master of genre and romantic scenes.
Alexander Labas is one of the distinguished representatives of the last generation of dreamers, who in spite of all upheavals and hard times of purges followed by stagnation in this country have remained true to their faith in betterment of the world and creative freedom.
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