The Timkov Collection

Strathmore Mansion has a fabulous collection of Russian Impression by Nikolai Timkov (1912-1993) on display until 2/20. The exhibit consists of about 50 works - mostly oil on panel - covering six decades of the artist's working life. Plentiful natural light in the galleries and carefully arranged indoor illumination show these stunning oils to their best advantage.

The exhibition was assembled by Timothy and Lisa Wyman from their extensive collection of Timkov's (in the hundreds) works purchased in the 1990s. Major conservation efforts were made on the surfaces and frames, to get these select few museum-ready . The show was seen previously at the Meridian International Center last year, and features the same curators: Dr. Alison Hilton and Dr. Curtis Sandberg. Their accompanying notes provide an entrée into the works and the period.

The paintings are notable for their strong composition, textured brushwork, and bold use of color. The artist's tendency to foreground the work with empty fields, covered with snow or dotted with trees, draws you immediately in, while the use of palette knife and splotches of paint suggest a third dimension. (Out of necessity, Mr. Timkov mixed his own paints; the raised surfaces may contain pigments directly from the ground.) There is also an aspect of pointillism displayed in some works, and the choice and arrangement of hues will call to your mind's eye everything from Post-impressionism and Fauvism to the Ashcan School. Some of my favorites include "The Barnyard in Early Spring (`57)," After the Rain (`76)," and "Blue March Torzhok (`88). But to see how the artist's sensibility was established, note "Winter Scenes `32-33." These 15 early miniatures are displayed in a frame within frame arrangement, set on a striking dark blue matting, and really pop.

The artist worked outside the mainstream of the state sanctioned Soviet Realistic style, whether by temperament or expediency - who can say? Many of the paintings reflect the artistic mood of Nineteenth Century Romanticism: outdoor compositions where tiny individuals stand in small, solitary contrast to the awe-inspiring force of nature, evoking the sublime. Whether Mr. Timkov was commenting on the system or conveying his own response (maybe both), you'll feel the pull as you discover the images of figures (look for them!) dotting the landscapes.

If you're sitting well financially, you have a chance to bid on a small work which the Wymans have generously donated to Strathmore. Go to Strathmore's website to find out more (Strathmore Fine Art).

This is a highly recommended show, pleasing to both the eye and pocketbook, with free admission and parking. Arrange your visit to coincide with a Wednesday night musical performance (The Mansion is open until 8 PM), and you can see the show before the concert.

Photo credit: U Street Girl