Beginning October 4, Grand Valley will bring to its Art Gallery one of Russia's most celebrated sculptors: Dmitry Kaminker, of St. Petersburg. Accompanying him will be his son and partner on many projects, Daniel Kaminker, an award-winning artist in his own right.
Their exhibit, "Minimonumentalism: Heroes and Myths, the Art of Dmitry and Daniel Kaminker," will be at the GVSU Art Gallery October 4-29. An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 7; the public is invited to come and meet the artists.
The exhibit showcases the Kaminkers' work by presenting small-scale bronze sculptures that serve as models for the artists' monumental works found in major museums and private collections throughout Russia and Scandinavia. While public sculpture in Russia was long a source of propaganda, Kaminker has sought to change that image with pieces that have a human element and a touch of irony -- "something that will make people smile," he has said. His work is witty, playful, and often infused with political sarcasm. Kaminker is a key figure in modern St. Petersburg culture. The Russian State Museum, which owns the worlds largest collection of Russian art, has purchased 16 pieces of Kaminkers work, and he has commissions all over the world.
"In Russia, Dmitry Kaminski is one of the most famous living artists today. He and Daniel travel throughout the world for exhibitions, lectures and master classes," said Henry Matthews, director of galleries and collections at GVSU. "We look forward to their coming here and not only showing their work, but actually creating a sculpture at Grand Valley."
The new sculpture will have a place near the Calder Art Center on the Allendale Campus. The Kaminkers will also work with art students and give a public lecture (TBA).
The exhibit, a featured event in Grand Valleys Fall Arts Celebration, is sponsored by the URS Corporation.
The Grand Valley Art Gallery is located in the Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus. Free parking is available. Gallery hours are M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Th until 7 p.m. Opening Reception: October 7, 5-7 p.m., Art Gallery. Call 616-331-2564 for more information.
