The “Aksenov-fest” expands its borders: an exhibition of paintings by Natella Toidze opens in Kazan

(KZN.RU, September 13). More than 60 large works in the genre of landscape, written in a temperamental manner, interior compositions, exquisite still lifes and spectacular metaphorical canvases were brought to Kazan to the “Aksenov-fest” by Natella Toidze, an academician of the Russian Academy of Arts. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, came to congratulate her on her debut in the national art gallery “Khazine”.

The collection brought to Kazan travels through large and serious exhibitions all over the world. Natella Toidze's paintings are distinguished easily by the author's view and style: bright colors, large strokes. Many of the artist's paintings are kept in the collections of the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum, and other museum collections, as well as in private collections of Russian and foreign art fans. Among other things, the development of the artist's talent was influenced by her surroundings. Natella Toidze is the granddaughter of the beloved disciple Repin, the daughter of the famous sculptor, the niece of the author of the poster “Motherland Calls” and the wife of film director Vadim Abdrashitov.

“There are great works, great landscapes, made entirely from life. I'm never satisfied with the workshop and the closed space. I start and finish the work in the open-air. Considering the fact that many pictures in height reach two meters, this is not an easy job. But nature is a very complex mechanism. If something changes, this should already be reflected in the picture. Therefore, you are always in a hurry, because the picture, regardless of its size, should be written in a short time”, the artist told about the creation of paintings brought to Kazan.

Last year, the artist was also a guest of “Aksenov-fest”. Then she appeared in the capital of Tatarstan with her lecture on the sculpture of color and light where she presented her technique to the listeners and showed slides with works. This time “Aksenov-fest” expanded its borders, including painting, graphics, and cinema. Therefore, Natella Toidze brought her exhibition to Kazan. During her visits, the artist saw many picturesque places there and today she expressed her desire to work from life and in Tatarstan.

Azat Abzalov, the head of the Kazan Department of Culture, told how the festival helps to attract creative forces to the city. The “Aksenov-fest” opens new creative perspectives for artists, filmmakers, theater-goers, as well as writers, and musicians. The literary and musical components are the connecting thread that surrounds the entire canvas of the festival movement”, he noted.

The guests of the exhibition were impressed by large-format canvases, expressive technique, and brightness of colors. Andrey Makarevich, a famous Russian singer, the guest of the “Aksenov-fest”, who, incidentally, turned out to be a long-time friend of Natella Toidze, shared his opinion about the exhibition.

“Natella and I met in a pioneer camp near Moscow. Even back then she was brilliant. Six years later, as students, we went together to sketches. For many years, she has been inviting me to her exhibitions in Moscow, and I have failed to come. Today I saw all this not in brochures and booklets, but live. Natella is a great artist, and there's nothing more to be said!” the well-known musician shared the mood of the evening.

Today the twelfth literary and music festival “Aksenov-fest” started in Kazan. It will last until September 16. The exhibition will be available to the Kazan audience until November 6.