The Vortex-Like Dynamics of Russian Artist Mikhail Zhirmunsky in NYC

New York, NY, November 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Russian painter Mikhail Zhirmunsky describes his mixed media paintings as his way of creating art that “simultaneously evokes horror and euphoria.” His compositions are certainly exhilarating, and startling in the sheer number and vivacity of visual stimuli each contains. He layers various materials, like different sorts of paper, cloth and board, most marked with numerous paints — oil, acrylic, gouache and distemper among them. The results of these complex processes are similarly hybrid paintings, with figurative, expressionist, text and abstract elements vying for dominance of the visual field.

Most pieces feature a border of metallic paint, creating a porous frame within the work that wild brushstrokes of bright colors often spill into, just as bits of covered compositions peek out from under superimposed cloth and paper layers. Bold text sits alongside abstract patterns, partially concealing distorted figurative scenes, collaged shapes and mysterious details. The overall effect is arresting, dizzying, yet mysterious, the layering of multiple images into each stunning piece piquing viewers’ interest and provoking their imagination.

Exhibition Dates: November 29 - December 20, 2011
Reception: Thursday, December 1, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Gallery Location: 530 West 25th St, New York City
Gallery Hours: Tues – Sat, 11a.m. - 6 p.m.
Event URL: http://www.agora-gallery.com/artistpage/Mikhail_Zhirmunsky.aspx

About the Exhibition

Brighten up your winter days by visiting Agora Gallery to view four new exhibitions. The Pursuit of Excellence: an Exhibition of Contemporary Russian Art displays the powerful, passionate creations of talented Russian artists. Labyrinth of Abstraction introduces work which will inspire and enlighten, as artists explore varied techniques and media to express their fascinating ideas and feelings. You will be enthralled by the work in Idiosyncratic Expressions, which represents the personal insights and emotions of dynamic, compelling artists. There is also a delightful and memorable solo exhibition, Quo Vadis?, which presents the work of remarkable artist Z. Todorova who investigates the deep connections between humanity and the world in which we live.

Featured Artists:
The Pursuit of Excellence: an Exhibition of Contemporary Russian Art
Ivan Erastov | Dmitri Freund | Tamara Grizjuk | Eugeniya Infelicina | Igor Nelubovich | Igor Petrov | Valery Zharkih | Mikhail Zhirmunsky

Quo Vadis?: Z. Todorova / a Solo Exhibition
Z. Todorova

Labyrinth of Abstraction
Deborah Jean Burdin | Soco Freire | Kristina Garon | Dolores Gonzalez |
Margaretha Gubernale | Rob Heath | Hyung Jin Park | Hoa Vu

Idiosyncratic Expressions
Eduard Anikonov | Hilary J. England | Julius Fürjes | Claude Mailhot | Marty Poorter | Chris Schäffeler | Carol J. Walker | De`Nica Watts

About Agora Gallery
Agora Gallery is a fine art gallery, established in 1984 and located in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea art galleries district. It is famous for showcasing a spectacular array of talented artists from around the world and around the corner, while providing quality and original art to collectors. Gallery II, an elegant adjacent gallery space, gives artists the ideal area for a solo or group exhibition of their own, organized and publicized by Agora Gallery. The gallery also publishes ARTisSpectrum Magazine, a bi-annual magazine that is distributed to museums, galleries, art institutions and art schools around the world. It provides artists, collectors, museums, galleries, art organizations and enthusiasts with access to the work of international talented artists as well as feature articles, reviews and interviews. Agora Gallery is also the sponsor of ARTmine, one of the most comprehensive resources available worldwide to view and purchase fine art. The gallery also runs Agora Art Blog, a blog designed to provide helpful information and advice for artists while providing a forum for artists to help one another by sharing their experiences and thoughts.

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