Crosspoints: Exhibition of print, drawing and painting by four contemporary Russian artists

CROSSPOINTS, a new exhibition curated by Evgenia Kharitonova, brings together a diverse collection of works by four contemporary artists from Russia. The works on show attempt to explore the points of connection between seemingly disparate lines of thinking; four unique life experiences, four distinctive artistic practices, four different perspectives on what art is.

Irina Zlobina presents several intense expressionist paintings as well as an incredible series of dry point etchings featuring Saint Petersburg. Uncompromising and spontaneous, her landscapes pulse with energy-filled space and bold colours.

Ekaterina Raevskaya uses an extensive selection of large scale prints to investigate the possibilities of graphic art as a means of capturing transient emotions and events. Presented here etched portraits of a wide cast of characters delve beyond simply depicting the individual portrayed.

Olga Iordan’s practice is rooted in a more formal aesthetic, concerned with spatial constructs. The artist transforms her direct visual perceptions onto the artwork surface in the form of a single clear sign. The result – fascinating enigmatic paintings, lithographs, drawings and watercolours.

Igor Shichkov demonstrates a measured use of line, colour and tone in his work, that distinguishes his strikingly minimalist yet expressive prints and embosses. From the latest sculptural series of collagraphs to the earlier stunning and elegant portraits, figures and abstract motifs – the works on show are diverse, dynamic and intense.

Each artist uses art as a tool in a unique way to explore and interpret the reality of the world as witnessed and inhabited. Works on show include paintings, watercolours, drawings, collagraphs, mixed media, small edition and one-off prints, all made between 2001 and 2011. CROSSPOINTS marks the first major outing of the works by these artists in the UK, although all are well known in Russia and have been exhibited internationally.