nikolai makarov russian bazaar translation

Nikolai Makarov: Black and White Dimension
Russian Bazaar, December 11-17, 2008
By Margarita Shkliarevsky
The renowned Mimi Ferzt Gallery located in Soho – the well-known bohemian New
York neighborhood – is proud to present new work by Nikolai Makarov “Makarov in
White”. Makarov is originally from Moscow, but he works and lives in Germany. An
artist of highly original, progressive style, Makarov has gained world-wide critical
acclaim that will culminate in a solo exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow in
March 2009. The current show (it is Makarov’s fifth solo exhibition in New York)
represents the newest series executed exclusively black and white.
The artist presents a new cycle “Iconostasis”. These are large canvases that successfully
combine traditions of metaphysical Byzantine paintings, innovations of Impressionism
and Makarov’s original manner. The saints – St. John the Baptist, Virgin Mary, apostles
Peter and Paul, archangels Michael and Gabriel – seem to be floating in air approaching
the viewer through the veil of time. The intense spiritual energy of these paintings is
astonishing. “I was raised in a religious family” says the artist- “all my life; I tried to
understand the spiritual”.
A virtuoso of psychologically charged landscape, Makarov presents a series of excellent
untitled paintings of dreamy nebulous atmospheres, inviting the viewer to interpret their
meaning.
Makarov’s technique of choice is thinned acrylic paint with subsequent application of
archival paper. The latter is Makarov’s invention that gives his paintings their veil of
intricate anti-craquelure, their unique mystical feeling. One has to see it to believe it.
For Windows, the artist is inspired by Renaissance art and works by Rembrandt who
frequently referred to this subject. Makarov evokes the masterpiece by Mark Chagall
“Lovers by the Window” (Sacred Love). A piece that symbolizes the window to the
world, to freedom of spirit, joys of love. Makarov’s nudes are incredible in their carnal
sensuality. They invite the viewer to unveil their cover and step into the world of ultimate
eroticism and artistry.
The exhibition is on view until December 31, 2008.