Discover the captivating world where myth meets memory in Alexander Ossipov's (TOTUR) oil paintings. His upcoming exhibition at Chelsea's Agora Gallery, "Heaven and Earth," promises a visual feast of allegorical figures and divine landscapes, rendered in a unique geometric style. Art enthusiasts are welcome to the opening reception on April 5, 2018, to immerse themselves in Ossipov's thought-provoking creations.
Alexander Ossipov, known as TOTUR, is an artist who masterfully blends the mythical with the tangible in his oil paintings. His work is characterized by a distinctive approach that distorts and stylizes subjects into geometric shapes and vibrant blocks of color. Ossipov's paintings often feature allegorical figures and animals, which he deconstructs and reconstructs in a manner that flattens the pigmented planes onto the canvas, creating a shallow, yet intricate composition.
In "The Abduction of Europe," Ossipov presents a nude female figure and a bull's head suspended in a cosmic void, devoid of a horizon. The female form appears to reach out desperately towards the animal, conveying a sense of unattainable connection. "The Trinity. Guests" depicts three figures with an allusion to the holy trinity, adorned in abstract, heavily patterned robes and surrounded by Byzantine halos, reminiscent of stained glass artistry. "The Two Moons" showcases an allegorical horned figure alongside an enigmatic anthropomorphic form, both adorned with stripes of earthy tones against a backdrop of two contrasting orbs, evoking a theme of duality.
The exhibition also showcases the works of other talented artists, including Miguel A. Chavez, Ali Cockburn, Ana Dávila, Barbara Demsar, Marianne Durach, Manuel Jiménez Palma, Olivia Kapoor, Sergey Klychkov, Matus Prochaczka (WEKOWORKS), Stefano Sanna, Gordana Tomic, Gerlinde Amei Wöllmer, and Donald Woodman.
"Heaven and Earth" is a group exhibition that brings together 14 artists, each exploring the intersection of the sublime and the mundane through various styles and media. The exhibition challenges traditional and contemporary boundaries, inviting viewers to reflect on the artists' interpretations of our world and the realms beyond.
While the exhibition itself is a significant event, the nuanced details of Ossipov's paintings hold unspoken allure. For instance, the use of geometric abstraction in his work is not just a stylistic choice but also a commentary on the fragmentation of modern life and the search for spiritual meaning within it. This layer of depth is often overlooked in discussions about contemporary art.
According to a 2021 report by Art Basel and UBS, the global art market reached a value of $50.1 billion, with the United States accounting for 42% of total sales by value. Within this vast market, the unique blend of mythological and contemporary elements in Ossipov's work sets him apart, offering a refreshing perspective that resonates with a diverse audience.
In conclusion, Alexander Ossipov's (TOTUR) "Heaven and Earth" exhibition at Agora Gallery is a must-see for those who appreciate the convergence of mythological themes and modern artistic expression. The opening reception on April 5, 2018, presents a perfect opportunity to engage with the art community and experience the profound impact of Ossipov's visionary paintings.
Ghosts of the Natural World: The Paintings of Elena Gastón Nicolás
NEW YORK, NY – Chelsea’s Agora Gallery will feature the original work of Elena Gastón in Encounters: Nature and Culture. The exhibition opens March 13, 2018 and runs through April 3, 2018 with an opening reception on Thursday, March 15 from 6-8 pm.
Zie Otto: Portraiture and Iconography
NEW YORK, NY – Chelsea’s Agora Gallery will feature the original work of Zie Otto in Encounters: Nature and Culture. The exhibition opens March 13, 2018 and runs through April 3, 2018 with an opening reception on Thursday, March 15 from 6-8 pm.
MVR: Nature and Virtuality
NEW YORK, NY – Chelsea’s Agora Gallery will feature the original work of Michael Victor ª MVR in Encounters: Nature and Culture. The exhibition opens March 13, 2018 and runs through April 3, 2018 with an opening reception on Thursday, March 15 from 6-8 pm.
