JOURNAL | Russian Art & Paris

Artist Evgeni Yali, (Saratov)

THE EXHIBITOR OF THE SALON “ART EN CAPITAL” 2012 – 2013

Eugene Yali is an artist both rare and amazing. Rare, even for the richness of talent in Russia. It is difficult to find a name in Russian art that is comparable. An analogy, however, is perhaps easier to find in literature. Probably with same kind of moonlight shimmer, Afanasy Fet surprised his contemporaries: “Light of the night, the night shadows…”. Today this poet is clearly and confidently called a philosopher. Perhaps similar qualities will be associated with the works of Eugene Yali.

Yali is often referred to as a lyrical artist. This is not entirely true. Behind the lyrical plot hides an impressive scale of a central theme: the theme of presence. Here and now. In the state where the mind “sees” the world in the way the world is. The first thing that stands out upon encountering this new painting style is the lack of a picture plane. Within the perimeter of the baguette, one can hear the rustling of the snow crust. The breath of the space is filled with the dampness of the dawn. All of this is the tangible flesh of reality. The aura of Yali’s works is fascinating. To discuss the linear perspective, tone, or color scheme is either inappropriate or impossible. Such categories do not exist in these paintings; what does exist, is a mystery of creation. It is difficult to believe that the foundation of all this, is a shabby box of paint tubes.

The development of movement, its transfer within the two-dimensional space of a canvas, is astonishing. This task, which has almost disappeared from the perspective of contemporary art, comes easily and naturally in the works of Yali. Like something obvious and long familiar, the flying of magpies; seemingly nothing special: they fly in nature and they fly in the painting. In works of other artists, however, they did not fly; but in Yali’s works they flew. This befits a master, who understands both form and meaning. The rhythmical series in the works of Yali is dynamic and always musical. His compositional decisions are sharp unexpected as the click of photo-camera. But through these instant portraits of villages and fields, disturbingly and clearly, emerges a different portrait: the portrait of the human soul. What is the soul, whose is it? It is ours. Real and genuine.

by Russian Art & Paris ©

Evgeni Yali is a Member of the Union of Artists of Russia. He is well-known artists. His paintings can be seen in the Tretyakov State Art Gallery, in the Saratov State Art Gallery named after A.N. Radischev, in the Saratov Oblast’Museum of Regional Studies, in the State museum of the writer K.A. Fedin, in the Museum of Local Studies located in Engels, in the Art Gallery in Volsk. In 1996 the All-Russia Academy of Art awarded Evgeni Yali with a Diploma for the best achievements in Fine Arts, in the Art of Criticism and Architecture. In April 1998 because of exemplary performance Evgeni Yali’s name was selected for biographical inclusion in the Eighth Edition of International Directory of Distinguished Leadership of the American Biographical Institute (North Carolina, USA). Presently Evgeni Yali lives and paints in the City of Saratov, Russia.

* * *

Eugeni Yali’s art develops naturally as life itself. The ordinary plots and impression of their naivety are obviously deceptive. This artist penetrates into the very essence of the theme that he brings onto the canvas. Yali thinks in

space categories. He focuses on the correlation and interaction of objects in nature and in his pictures, hence he detects the swiftest changes and slightest transfers of color and tone. His love is everywhere: he loves not only the subjects of his painting but even the very surface of the canvas, every single stroke and movement of his art brush. Everything is very truthful in his art works and you forget all about the way they are painted. Vulgar color or outward striking technique are absent in his painting The artist speaks to the world without any haste. This is a quiet and thoughtful conversation with Nature and with his own Conscience. We can find deep thinking about the essence and rash of life in the artist’s works. The painter helps his spectator to find a new and understand the things without which our further existence would be impossible on our charming planet.