Russian artist Andrey Sklyarenko's inspiration comes from a sensitivity to life experience. The warm color schemes he employs reflect his optimism, and his painting style is influenced by Modernism but reflects his solid base in tradition.

The contemporary painter uses his brush to celebrate the beauty of life.

Now, he shares his passion with Beijingers at the National Art Museum of China. More than 50 pieces of his displayed representative works were selected from his most recent creations. The exhibits, all of which are about 1-sq-m, come from a variety of media but mostly include oils, gouaches and sketches.

Using Realistic Russian oil painting techniques and acute observation, Sklyarenko depicts detailed scenes of the everyday lives of ordinary Russians.

In the work Spring, a young girl's car stops on the road. However, she is not worried but rather turns around happily to find that she has helpers - several young fellows pushing her car.

The tableau of Coffee Pot shows a husband and wife brandishing the utensils of daily life; the wife grips a coffeepot, the contents of which she pours into the cup her husband holds. Although there is no eye contact between them, viewers can sense the warm glow in their hearts. The fresco effect adds flamboyance to the otherwise unsophisticated delivery. Pleasant Evening focuses on a farmyard, in which a couple busily saws wood. The orange light cast from the remote sky produces a misty shadow on their contented faces.

Sklyarenko's images recall the traditional Realistic style of Russian artists first developed by the Itinerary School of the early 19th century. However, his compositions also feature modern elements and personalized innovations.

Breaking from the conventions of the genre, Sklyarenko zooms in upon a partial life scene, as if he was holding a magnifying glass to them. Without a logical spatial effect, the works seem to be conversations among two or several characters.

Sometimes, the portraits are deformed, transmitting exaggerated expressions. The detailed presentation creates dramatic and humorous experiences for the viewers.

Born in Zaporozhye in 1963, Sklyarenko studied painting at the St Petersburg Repin Institute of Fine Art and has ever since been a lecturer at the institute. He made his Beijing debut in 2001 and inked a deal with a Chinese agent in 2002.

Wu Liping

20 yuan. 9am-5pm, until Jan 6. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076. 中国美术馆, 东城区五四大街1号

(China Daily 12/26/2007 page20)