The Russian Academy Of Arts

Moscow, January 13. /ITAR-TASS Correspondent Olga Svistunova/. The Russian Academy of Arts (RAA) will open a large-scale exhibition in Palermo. The vernisage in Sicily is scheduled for January 28. The President of the Russian Academy of Arts Zurab Tsereteli said about it today to the ITAR-TASS correspondent. “We have decided to start with the Sicilian project”, noted the President of the RAA. “It will be followed by three more big shows in Rome, Milan and Ancona. All of them are to be organized as part of the Year of Russian Culture and Language in Italy – 2011”.

The Russian Academy of Arts has obtained a big experience in holding of similar international actions. A proof of it is the previous 2010 Russia-France Cross Culture Year that made a significant contribution to the promotion of three centuries-old cultural ties between Russia and France in fine arts and architecture. “In Paris we have arranged several exhibitions devoted to the history and present day of the Russian Academy of Arts”, reminded Zurab Tsereteli. “The expositions were held in very prestigious venues – in the halls of the Orangerie - Senate of France, in the French Academy of Fine Arts and UNESCO Headquarters. They were of big success and besides, in some cases provided a rare opportunity to get acquainted with unknown pages of our bilateral cultural partnership”.

Speaking of the wide resonance of Russian art in France Tsereteli could not but tell about another major event. On display was a big canvas from the collection of the French Academy of Fine Arts “Nicholas II at the Academy” by the French painter Andre Brouillet that had been kept in a storeroom for many decades and was in a very poor condition. Due to the efficient involvement of Zurab Tsereteli in the joint restoration work the picture was presented to the public in its original glamour.

It should be noted, that the show of works by Tsereteli has been also highly appreciated in France. And his Musketeers sculptural composition found its home in Gascony in the city of Condom, which is considered a capital of Musketeers for a long time.

However, Zurab Tsereteli has not said much about his personal achievements. “The Year of Russia in France is over”, said the President of the RAA. “We have switched over to an “Italian” topic, as well as are working on joint projects within the Russia-Spain Year. And the year of 2012 which will be a Year of Russia in the United States and the United States in Russia is on our doorstep. A lot of plans must be realized”.

print version