For contact: andrewrusset@gmail.com 347-210-4856 The group “Art of Inspiration • Vladimir Andreyev and His Friends” is an international collaboration among some fifty-six artists and photographers from two countries – Russia and America. The task that these creative people have set for themselves is to maximize the artistic potential of the group who are the bearers of two major cultures, doing this through dialog, and the synthesis of several forms of art. Thanks to the extraordinary organizational talents of the organizer and member of the group, Vladimir Andreyev, the journey of exhibitions of the “Art of Inspiration” has already taken the work of these artists through large and small cities in Russia, and is now successfully emerging in the international arena. The key to the uniqueness of this group is in its composition. These are photographers and artists who live Russia, Russian artists living in the United States who, while having been assimilated into her culture, maintain cultural artistic ties to Russia, and also American artists, born and raised here. This cultural interplay allows for a wider dialog and cultural exchange and does not pass unnoticed by artistically interested people in both countries. The Russian resident members are selfless in their efforts at organizing the exhibitions there and acquainting the Russian audience with the work of contemporary American artists. It is interesting to note that these exhibitions take place not only in big cities, but also in provincial settings where they evoke a live response and gratitude from the viewers. As for the Russian-American dialog in the United States, the landmark event was the exhibition in December of 2006 at the United Nations, in New York. It is no accident that the name of the group is often taken to men “The Power to Inspire”. As not only members but also active participants in the group, Russian and American artists have the opportunity to learn from one another, to influence each others’ work, and inspire new creative discoveries. For the same reason, there is the interplay between professional artists and amateurs. One of the group’s important goals is to allow original, talented and inspired artists a chance to show their work, even though they may not have had any formal training in the arts. The criteria for membership in the group are the desire for artistic self expression, a creative bent, and a positive attitude. Anybody wishing to join the group must assess his goals and align them with those of the group. First of all, the “Art of Inspiration” is a group of people who are close spiritually. Each member has his own “face”, and creates his own “signature” by following a unique course of creative exploration. Such a person embodies the group’s idea that creativity is a state of love, enlightenment, self-awareness, and meditation. Perhaps, also, there are elements of consolation, self-revelation and prayer. This understanding, specifically, is the unifying force and stimulus for the continued existence of the group and the exhibition of its multifaceted creations. The photographer Mark Norberg has said, “The picture is a way for me to put into images what is sometimes hard for me to put into words. It is a way to carry on a dialogue; to understand and be understood.” So it is with the exchange project. What cannot be expressed about New York (and indeed, all of America) in words can be projected visually through photographs and Art. Similarly, their photographs transcend all linguistic and cultural differences, and allow us an unrestricted glimpse into what ordinary thing inspire the Russians and permits us to share their vision. Bringing the timeless power of art to heal and the unique ability of this Russian-American union to play a special role in the communication between people, it seems a natural step to develop a program to sponsor the development of such a unique Russian-American alliance that will financially, morally, artistically support artists in both countries. This alliance will provide a goal in giving that is attainable and create a better understanding among nations that share a common bond, a love of the arts.
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