Looking for Joy

A literary and visual exhibition "Looking for Joy" dedicated to the 160th anniversary of the birth of the Russian painter and representative of Russian impressionism Konstantin Korovin (1861–1939) is on show in the Fine Arts Reading Room (room 306) from December 3 to January 10.

Sincerely in love with the many colours of the world around him, Konstantin Korovin strove to find an appropriate colouristic image in his paintings. A master of great pictorial temperament, a talent that matured quickly and was versatile, he was creatively tireless and eager to find the beauty of life. The artist said: “I paint for those who can enjoy the sun, the infinite variety of colours and shapes, who will never cease to marvel at the ever-changing play of light and shadow”.

The exhibition gives you a chance to see the world through the eyes of the painter, to feel the joy and sincerity of his feelings, to enjoy the colourful palette and the subtlety of execution. Reproductions of "Portrait of a Chorus Girl", "Summer", "Paper Lanterns", "Portrait of the Artist Tatiana Spiridonovna Lyubatovich", "On the seashore", "Pier in Gurzuf", "Roses and Violets", "Portrait of Fydor Chaliapin", "Roses" show freedom of scattered colours and light of iridescent shades, which gives the visitor the impression of co-presence. The portraits, landscapes and still-lifes subtly convey the sensual beauty of being, the beauty and poetry of light. The night-time theme of Paris is presented separately. You can feel the vibrancy of the bright lights of the evening boulevards, where the silhouettes of passers-by and carriages flash in multi-coloured patches and the mottled lights are reflected on the wet pavement.

Fidelity to nature and the ability to find colours on the palette that convincingly recreate its appearance – these are the main precepts of Konstantin Korovin's mastery. Beauty, the sun, love for life and nature are the driving forces of his work.

The opening hours of the exhibition correspond to the library’s opening hours.
Admission is by the library card or by the Social and Cultural Centre ticket.

For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 53.

Special Collections Service Department.