Observer
02.02.2006
Still Time to View Russian Artist Amazing Artwork at Polasek Museum
Carole Arthurs Advertising director, Associate editor


Throughout February, the Polasek Museum will be showcasing the amazing artwork of contemporary Russian painter, Vladimir Fomin. The show runs through Feb. 26 and is totally mesmerizing.

The Polasek Museum is the site of the American debut of this marvelous rising star in the art world from Russia. This amazing young artist actually traveled from Russia for the opening of his show here at the Polasek on Jan. 10. Fomin's use of color, form and design is captivating. Decorative details, precise and mosaic-like execution, harmonious colors, clarity and grace of design characterize his unique style. All 22 of his brilliant and colorful oil paintings on display are a visual feast.

Fomin was here with his wife, Svetlana Gromova, and was interviewed through his translator, Alexander Boguslawski, professor of Russian Studies at Rollins College. They have since returned to Russia.

Fomin was born in 1963 in the Siberian city of Tomsk. Since 1992, Fomin has been living and working in Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia in Northern Russia.

His style, which the artist calls avant-garde lubok, is an artistic synthesis of traditional popular print. More than 300 works by Fomin are in private collections and museums around the world. Over the years, Fomin has created several series of paintings, which he named Lubok, Gifts, Vepsa, Kizhi, Kalevala, Peer Gynt, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Spiritual. Many of his paintings have spiritual overtones.

According to Fomin, "The Black Square in the Snow "depicts the black square as man, the circle as the universe and the snowflake as God. In his Kizhi series, in a painting titled "Dialectics of the Russian North," he depicts different styles of churches including the famous Transfiguration Church.

Other spiritual elements in his paintings include symbolic windmills (time and movement), the Tree of Life, "The Archangel Michael," and lots of crosses. His paintings from Fairy Tales of the North series are especially captivating. He says they are "very optimistic and always end happily." In his fairy tale series, he also depicts trolls, mermaids, ravens, and hares, and in the Vepsa series the "Magnificent Boar." He says the "King's Hares," from the Fairy Tales of the North series is a "very gentle painting." "Vladimir Fomin: Amazing Lubok" will remain at the Polasek through Feb. 26 and all of his paintings are for sale.

The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, retirement home of 2004 Florida Artists Hall of Fame recipient Albin Polasek, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is located at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. Museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm - 4 pm. Museum admission prices are $5 adult; $4 senior; $3 student; members and under 12 are free.