Columbia City Paper

Oskolkov’s “Huntin and
Campin” is a study of movement featuring giant live oaks with long
branches reaching back to the ground, while rivers and marshes seem
to melt together in a swirls of color and texture. “Icons in Columbia,”
on the other hand, focuses on the cultural aspect of Oskolkov’s life
in the Southeast and features Russian icons, which can be seen behind
an elderly Columbia- native man. By “bringing” the Russian icons
into a Columbia backdrop, the artist visualizes the mixing of cultures
and suggests the comfortable melting of those. The old man in the painting
is obviously fascinated by the icons, which cover his wall almost entirely,
while he is sitting surrounded by unpaid bills.

Olessia Maximenko found very
similar inspirations in her new life in the South. Maximenko, who currently
lives in Charleston, focuses more on the signature symbols of the south
such as palm trees and marshes as well as the typical rural life of
people.  Maximenko’s works can easily be distinguished from Oskolkov
as she uses brighter colors and focuses on the more optimistic moments
of life, such as sunsets, people singing, or the harmony of a summer
night.

Yet, despite their difference
in tone, the two artists both paint what they found most inspiring:
life in South Carolina.

“Both of us paint non-aggressive
subject matters,” Maximenko says. â€œIn our paintings there are no
hidden political agendas, no misunderstandings.  Everyone can understand
them.”

The shows opening reception,
which will take place on Friday, April 10 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., will
also feature the High Lonesome Bluegrass Band, with Oskolkov performing
on the piano. Oskolkov, who is a Russian folk musician fascinated by
local bluegrass, will also perform on a traditional three-sided stringed
instrument called balalaika –which most people might remember from
the movie “Dr. Zhivago”—to accompany Randy Lucas on banjo.

The day after the opening,
the paintings will be the backdrop for the South Carolina Poetry Initiative
awards ceremony from 2:00 to 4:00. Oskolkov, who is a Russian folk musician
fascinated by local bluegrass, will perform on a traditional three-sided
stringed instrument called balalaika (which most people might remember
from the movie “Dr. Zhivago”).

The exhibition will be open
until April 21.  For more information about the artists visit www.nkoart.com
or to find more information about the current exhibition at Gallery
80808, please visit http://www.gallery80808vistastudios.com.

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