Why I Chose to Curate the "Path of Northern Plein Airs" Project
20 December, 2024
Why I Chose to Curate the "Path of Northern Plein Airs" Project
I’m thrilled to be part of a project that weaves together art, the raw beauty of the Arctic, and the vibrant stories of regional communities. As the curator of the "Path of Northern Plein Airs," I feel the Arctic speaks through the vivid language of plein air painting—its icy skies, shimmering glaciers, and silent northern shores are not just a backdrop but active participants in the creative process. This journey is a canvas where every brushstroke tells the story of people, places, and time.
Born from a collaboration with the Arctic Initiatives NGO and the Plein Air Artists Association, this project marks a milestone in celebrating 500 years of Russia’s Northern Sea Route exploration. The Presidential Decree of March 10, 2025, elevates "Arctic as Art" from a passion to a cultural movement—a bridge between history and modern artistic expression. I see this as a unique opportunity for artists of all levels to step beyond the studio, immerse themselves in the Arctic’s raw essence, and capture its spirit with authenticity and power.
Artists of any skill level are welcome to apply. In 2025, we’ll host week-long plein air sessions across 15 Arctic and Far Eastern regions of Russia, culminating in exhibitions in each city. These sessions, part of the "Great Northern Campaign: Arctic as Art" initiative, will take artists to exclusive locations with restricted access: closed administrative territories, port facilities, shipyards, and other sites where art intersects with technology, industry, and history.
