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April Issue 2009
Gallery 80808
in Columbia, SC, Features Works by Nikolai Oskolkov and Olessia
Maximenko
Gallery 80808 in Columbia, SC, will present the exhibit, Peace and Celebration: The Art of Nikolai Oskolkov and Olessia Maximenko, on view from Apr. 9 - 21, 2009.
The exhibition presents works of various media by these two Russian-American artists. Included are oils on canvas, ink and pencil drawings, tempera, and mosaic.
The two artists have
offered the following statement: "Throughout our lives, we
are all touched one way or another by events that make us seriously
consider our faith personally and socially, especially in light
of the tumultuous events of the past year. In spite of constant
learning, we cannot always easily cope with the complexities of
our world. Our lives change in ways we do not expect or accept
baring our strengths and weaknesses. Even human will fails before
wonders and tragedies that are far beyond our control that make
many of us realize that the world does not ever really run on
our terms. Since life is such a discovery, we all go through the
trial of humility and forgiveness in order to find acceptance."
"Faith has often been represented in symbols, which carry
original and often controversial meanings that can ironically
change in the course of time with various interpretations. We
may also invent representative signs and activities which may
define exclusively one person or a group as a symbol and make
it possible to call out to our peers for understanding and support.
We often look for consolation in symbol, art, and music which
help us make positive decisions in life in order to benefit our
communities and ourselves in return."
"Now, as ever, we all need the power of faith. One great reason for faith is given when we realize how we can weave a complex and magical web of human connections that bind common yet contrasting goals. Many of us are lone wolves from scattered packs who doubt that there is a true home at all and are forced to accept new dens for our traveling spirits with care and love. It is amazing when people meet by chance and circumstance from literally opposite sides of the globe, like two drops from the same boiling pot and exploit their cultural similarities and learn from one another to have a stronger, happier life and to work together to manifest their dreams."
"As artists, we work to accept all people of society as rightful inhabitants of our tragic and beautiful planet. We need to believe and remember how protected we are here in our isolated and unified American land and remember how many reasons we have to be grateful, even though it was exactly in South Carolina where even that oneness has proven its fragility. Let us recognize human life as a privilege in spite of the uncontrollable circumstances that can drive us even to total despair. Peace and celebration is a fortunate part of our existence that shows that we are willing, at least for a moment, to appreciate a true heaven on earth."
For further information
check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call 803/252-6143 or
visit (www.gallery80808vistastudios.com).
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