|
...
|
Russian Impressionism 1940-1960th
Though enthusiastically accepting certain aspects of France's new
artistic trend, Russian artists at the turn of the century never called themselves
Impressionists nor did the artists of the Soviet period. Because of stringent social obligations and
ideological doctrines, the paintings had to serve or, at the very least, not antagonize the
guardians of Communism. As a result, Russian artists tended to ignore the scientific-like
color analysis of Impressionist techniques. Seeking a compromise that allowed them to stay politically
correct, Soviet artists vacillated between Academic fundamentalism and Impressionist
flexibility. Creating their own unique interpretation of Russian Impressionism, they finally managed
to make use of both styles. This meant that the resulting ? look? of the original Russian painting
had more of an affinity for the established social realist art prevalent at the time rather
than the French paintings.The looseness of approach to their subjects and the consequential
lightening and brightening of color are evident and many do resemble French art to a certain
extent. But the paintings stop short of outright imitation. There is still something very much
? Russian? about them and this is what attracts and holds the viewer.
|
|