Yurkovka Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhegorodskaya oblast, Russia

Yurkovka Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhegorodskaya oblast, Russia 

In the center of the old Lower, in one of the courtyards of Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, this unusual art gallery “Yurkovka” is located. The works presented there are made from autumn leaves, matches, watermelon seeds and even from scraps of securities.

Here you will meet with a genuine, but unusual painting. In the picturesque canvases of this unique collection, neither watercolors, nor gouache, nor tempera are used. Particles of dried leaves, from those that fall through the autumn from trees and shrubs – this is the “paint” of the artist Yurkov . Hundreds of thousands of pieces, masterfully fitted to each other and pasted onto cardboard. Everyone is like a light movement of a painter’s brush. As a result – the birth of light and shadow, a deep plan, unique color, harmony.

This technique is difficult to find a name. Alexander Nikolaevich Yurkov called it “Florian mosaic” (a mosaic of flora). Florian painting – so, perhaps, will be more accurate. And, I dare say, she comes from Nizhny, from here, from the walls of Yurkovka with the bitter autumn smell of her paintings

The artist’s unique works are written with leaves, and not just skillfully made up of natural materials, as is customary in applied floristics.
With obvious tact, discreetness of colors, they conquer an unforgettable color, immersing in a color scheme of peace of mind and peace.
A special theme in the work of the artist Yurkov – his native place, his parents’ house. Simple, but close to each heart of the story: villages, roads, temples, lovely old courtyards, surprisingly preserved in the depths of a modern high-rise city. How important it is to keep it, to keep forever in your own soul, not to lose, not to lose …

The attraction of these paintings is akin to the natural. Let’s remember how difficult it is to tear our eyes from the bend of the river, from the motley grass of the field … The natural colors of “Yurkovka” foliage canvas are also charming. The unique pictures of the talented artist generously give us the magic of golden autumn days. And this gift – truly “eye charm”

Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound