M. Churlionis exhibition opening «Creation of the World of Light and Harmony»
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December 6, 2011 saw the opening of M. Ciurlionis exhibition «Creation of the World of Light and Harmony» at the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich, Moscow.
The ceremony was opened by Mrs Natalia Cherkashina, Deputy Director General of the Museum. In her greeting speech she said that UNESCO had declared 2011 the year dedicated to Mikalaus Konstantinas Churlionis whose 100th anniversary was widely celebrated by the international cultural community. He was an artist, composer, poet and philosopher who stood at the origins of the new art style — Cosmism. Evaluating his oeuvre Nicholas Roerich noted the solemnity of shapes and the harmony of the well considered tones as well as the artist's beautiful thoughts.
Mr Andrus Pulokas, responsible Minister acting as the Ambassador of Lithuanian Republic in Russia, who was a guest of honour at the event, noted that the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich is the most suitable place for the exhibition of such a kind. He also informed the public that an event dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Russia was held recently in the Embassy of Lithuania in Russia. It was on the occasion of this anniversary that the exhibition dedicated to Mikalaus Churlionis was organised.
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Mr Stasis Urbonas, Director of the Memorial Cultural Centre «Churlionis House» (Vilnius, Lithuania) narrated in details about the friendship between the Churlionis House and the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich. The main role in the development of this friendship belongs to Madam Shaposhnikova, who of all people understands the artist's creativity and the subtle energy of his works. As a token of his special appreciation and respect Mr Urbonas gave Madam Shaposhnikova the sculpture «The Sacrifice» based on M. Churlionis' philosophic painting of the same name.
Before the International Centre of the Roerichs, the exhibition «Creation of the World of Light and Harmony» had toured through Warsaw, Riga, Tartu, Saint-Petersburg, Tokio, and Lublin.
True connoisseurs of M. Churlionis art are not surprised with the fact that there are no original paintings but facsimiles at the exhibition. Due to the fact that the original paintings were created in tempera and pastel techniques it is very harmful for them to be exposed to contrasting temperatures, excessive light or vibrations. That is why these paintings have never been taken out from the museum. In 1938 and later in 1997 some reproductions were produced instead which, according to the experts, are almost identical to the originals. The exhibition in Moscow features 21 reproductions of paintings from different cycles.
Mr Rokas Zubovas, M. Churlionis' grandson, musician and lecturer at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, told the participants of the event about the musical side of the artist talent. He performed some compositions by M. Churlionis and explained them as an art critic.