The influence of the Russian Academy of Arts defines the content of Valery Katsuba’s show. His photographs present wonderful examples of neo-classical architecture in Russia (main stairs, palaces, academies of arts, and museums), in Spain, and in the capital of Mexico. In Katsuba’s works the set up of the model, light, scene composition glow with life due to narrative style influenced by the Renaissance and baroque painting and sculpture, yet the scene develops in the neo-classical interiors of fine arts academies—San Fernando in Madrid, San Carlos in New Mexico, in the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts.

 

The main characters of these photographic portraits are dancers, athletes, gymnasts, springboard divers, and ball players. Their poses reveal the ultimate development of human physical abilities. Their figures are symbols of eternal values: harmony, order, courage, and power.

 

Curator: Jose Manuel Springer