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New Work by Elena Flerova in Solo Exhibit
at Villanova University Art Gallery
A solo exhibit of oil paintings, mixed media works and monoprints by internationally honored, Russian-born artist Elena Flerova opens March 19, 2001, at the Villanova University Art Gallery.
Since emigrating to the United States in 1990, Flerova has established herself as a leading artist of classic and contemporary Judaica. Indeed, writes a New York gallery director, “Her paintings are the future of Judaic art.”
With the Villanova exhibit, she hopes to broaden that appreciation to her secular work. Entitled, “Romanticism Recaptured”, the Villanova show continues to April 29. A free public reception to meet the artist will take place March 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. Many of Ms Flerova's works will be for sale.
Of her work,the editor and publisher of Fine Art magazine recently wrote:
“Her re-creative abilities are superlative, noteworthy for their neoclassic attention to detail and vivid colors with an interplay of light and texture you will find only in the vocabulary of the giants of art history.”
Flerova's paintings are noted for their radiant illumination, resulting from multiple overlays of white and hues until a brilliance which seems to come from within is achieved. The light reaches a peak of intensity around the main hero of her paintings. Says Fr. Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., director of the Villanova University Art Gallery:
“Elena's paintings range from remarkably insightful portraits that capture the spirit of her subjects to large-scale monoprint paintings and oils. Whether they are wall murals, screens or other interior decoration for private residences or public buildings, her works evoke the mystique, essence, and sweep of historical and religious events and fables.”
Of her use of illumination, Flerova says, “We are all made of light created by our Lord, and we have to share this gift with others. I paint by levels until the light begins to jump like sunshine from the inside. The harmony is born of the picture itself.”
Flerova is noted for utilizing watercolor monotype to produce complicated, completed artwork. Typically, monoprints become parts of collages or interior decoration. Flerova's become stand alone works of art. With its short drying time and unpredictable transfer results, watercolor is much more adventuresome than the traditional medium of oil. Most artists do not embellish prints after the transfer. Flerova, however, produces several prints and, working with very fine brushes, watercolor, and gouache, adds countless intricate details, carefully devising the effect of harmony and balance over many hours.
“In addition to being a master monoprint painter,” says Fr. Cannuli, “Elena is an award-winning book and magazine illustrator, watercolorist and etcher.”
Since emigrating with her family to the United States in 1990, Flerova has established her reputation as a living classic artist in Judaica. It is a stature that flows from her imagination, remarkable empathy and an exceptional power of recall. A Russian by nationality, her religious roots are in the Russian Orthodox Church, not Judaism.. Writes a reviewer of her Judaic art:
“Flerova's paintings connect the light and shadows of a far flung past to the present dispersed communities in which the air of the synagogue still spills into the street and the smells of the Sabbath may still be discerned within acrid reality of the everyday B where the sacred seeks its place in every profane act, just as riotous joy may envelop any solemn celebration.”
Flerova holds two of the former USSR's most prestigious art awards. In addition, for six consecutive years (1981-1986), she won her nation's annual achievement award for illustration. She also holds the 1990 Prague International Book Show Medal. Flerova studied at Moscow's Surikov Fine Arts Institute and National Academy of Fine Arts.
Beyone the United States, Flerova's work has been included in exhibitions throughout Europe and North America. Her religious works are presented at Brushstrokes Fine Art Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, her secular works at Dublin-Brown Fine Art Gallery in Englishtown, NJ.