Stay in the Loop
BSR publishes on a weekly schedule, with an email newsletter every Wednesday and Thursday morning. There’s no paywall, and subscribing is always free.
Beyond the artist's studio
Serge Zhukov at F.A.N. Gallery
This is an artist's show— a fine display of technique and impeccable draftsmanship. Serge Zhukov doesn't attempt to seduce the eye with intricate compositions, and he almost denies himself the joys of color.
The paintings and drawing hanging in F.A.N.'s front gallery are almost entirely figure studies, done in an art school milieu. Models pose; students go about their chores. Mostly, the color schemes are extremely subdued, with plenty of ochre and pale greens and only the occasional splash of red to liven things up.
Day Dream 2, which hangs in the gallery's front window, is actually somewhat audacious in that Zhukov depicts a sleeping model's head peeking up from a bright red blanket. In another piece, Late Summer Afternoon Diptych, Zhukov departs from his generally simple compositions by giving us a left-side image of a young woman dressing and a right-side image of a curtain partially pulled back to reveal the cityscape that lies beyond.
In the rear portion of the gallery we see Zhukov moving away from the insular world of his studio and trying his hand at pure landscape painting. Working with a fairly light touch and in a modified impressionist style, he creates some truly delightful pieces. Middle of the Winter, Quiet Day/November, Passing Light and Autumn are all first-class evocations of time and place.
Zhukov probably won't please those who are looking for The Next New Thing. But for those who appreciate traditional themes and take delight in seeing them handled well, Zhukov's exhibit will be most welcome.
The paintings and drawing hanging in F.A.N.'s front gallery are almost entirely figure studies, done in an art school milieu. Models pose; students go about their chores. Mostly, the color schemes are extremely subdued, with plenty of ochre and pale greens and only the occasional splash of red to liven things up.
Day Dream 2, which hangs in the gallery's front window, is actually somewhat audacious in that Zhukov depicts a sleeping model's head peeking up from a bright red blanket. In another piece, Late Summer Afternoon Diptych, Zhukov departs from his generally simple compositions by giving us a left-side image of a young woman dressing and a right-side image of a curtain partially pulled back to reveal the cityscape that lies beyond.
In the rear portion of the gallery we see Zhukov moving away from the insular world of his studio and trying his hand at pure landscape painting. Working with a fairly light touch and in a modified impressionist style, he creates some truly delightful pieces. Middle of the Winter, Quiet Day/November, Passing Light and Autumn are all first-class evocations of time and place.
Zhukov probably won't please those who are looking for The Next New Thing. But for those who appreciate traditional themes and take delight in seeing them handled well, Zhukov's exhibit will be most welcome.
What, When, Where
Serge Zhukov: “New Paintings and Drawings.†Through June 1, 2013 at F.A.N. Gallery, 221 Arch St. (215) 922-5155 or www.thefangallery.com.
Sign up for our newsletter
All of the week's new articles, all in one place. Sign up for the free weekly BSR newsletters, and don't miss a conversation.
