Sergei Lebedev

Author: Sergey Nikolaevich Repin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features:
The formation and development of the Russian Realist School experienced two important historical stages: the Critical Realism School, also known as the Wanderers, from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century; and the Socialist Realism in the Soviet Union after the October Revolution, lasting until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Artists such as Kramskoi, Repin, Surikov, Levitan, Shilov, and Arkhipov, Yunion, Grashkov, Plastov, Yablonskaya, Moyisenko, and Merinikov, among others, these epoch-making masters and their works have shaped and sustained the great Russian Realist School, establishing a monumental presence in the history of human culture. Due to specific historical origins, geopolitical relationships, and national circumstances, since the May Fourth Movement, China has gradually developed a cultural tendency and aesthetic choice oriented toward the times and life. Under the backdrop of the New Democratic Revolution and the Socialist Revolution, people cannot avoid the influence this school has had on the direction and development of mainstream Chinese art. Realism, as the mainstream direction of Chinese art, has largely taken shape and developed by fully absorbing and drawing on the achievements and experiences of the Russian and Soviet Realist Schools. Although today, in the context of the diversification of artistic trends, opinions on this statement and evaluation vary and have sparked some controversy, this influence remains widespread and profound. From a contemporary perspective, what people are most interested in is contemporary art, and there is ample reason to focus on the current state and development trends of the Russian Realist School, specifically post-Soviet Union era, because overall, most Chinese artists' understanding of the Russian Realist School still largely remains within the scope of the Wanderers and the Socialist Realism of the Soviet period, with little knowledge of what came after. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a decade has passed, and the turmoil of the times and the dramatic changes in life have impacted and reshaped people's destinies and thoughts. Yet, the banner of Realist art has not fallen, and a new generation of Realist artists has emerged through relentless exploration. The editor, being a friend to some of these outstanding artists, has had the idea for a long time to introduce them more comprehensively to their Chinese art counterparts, and finally had this opportunity. "The New Generation of Russian Realism" is a general term for these artists, and now printed on the cover of the formal published art catalog, I can't help but have some reservations, fearing that this term may not be precise enough. But perhaps many readers will understand my intention—it is merely a slight distinction from the term "Soviet Realism." The "New Generation of Realism" is naturally a continuation of the traditional Realist School, a relationship of inheritance and succession. Even in the face of rapid changes in the era, as an evolutionary process of a school, it remains gradual. The artists have never abandoned their mission and responsibilities, nor their pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. The realities of the times, the fate of the nation, history, and the state of human existence are still deeply in their works. They have indeed demonstrated great courage and innovative spirit in creating art that reflects contemporary characteristics and aesthetic tastes. They have also steadfastly upheld the principles of Realist art, defending the great banner of Realism, and thus have faced unprecedented challenges from various modern Western artistic trends. In reality, their works have both maintained the essential characteristics of the Realist School while skillfully incorporating beneficial elements from other art forms. This is reflected in their highly personalized perspectives on life, giving new spiritual meaning to traditional themes and employing highly creative expressions. Their exceptional modeling skills combined with a perfect blend of form create a refreshing visual experience. Indeed, through their works, they have expanded the developmental space for Realist art.