Information about the author:
Elvira A. Arsalia
Elvira A. Arsalia, member of the Artists’ Union of Abkhazia, a member of the Russia Designers Association, Laureate of the State Prize D.I. Gulia, Director, Central Exhibition Hall of the Union of Artists, Lakoba 31, 384900 Sukhum, Republic of Abkhazia.
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Abstract:
The article presents the main stages in the history of the formation and flourishing of professional fine art in Abkhazia, associated with the names of such Russian 19th-century artists as N. Chernetsov, V. Vereshchagin, P. Vereshchagin, G. Gagarin, I. Aivazovsky, L. Logario, as well as the masters of the 20th century: O. Segal, O. Lisheva, S. Bulakovsky, V. Evropina, B. Petrov, V. Kontarev and others. Their paintings have preserved long-lost splendid landscapes, forgotten corners of old Sukhum, portraits of historical figures and ordinary residents of the Country of the Soul. The article also emphasizes such an important aspect of the activities of Russian artists in Abkhazia as the organization of the Sukhum Art School, which met the needs of the young republic in the development and implementation of a system of art education for the younger generation. The role of Russian artists in organizing the first public city art exhibitions in Abkhazia, which contributed to the popularization of art, is noted. The role of the first Sukhum collector of paintings, doctor and musician I. Fishkov in preserving the artistic heritage of Abkhazia is emphasized.
