Solo Exhibition
H.R GIGER Museum
Gruyeres
Switzerland

29 Originals from the Collection of Rardy van Soest

November 3, 2007 - April 6, 2008
 

 
 
The Russian contemporary Surrealist, Viktor Safonkin has been working hard and his efforts seem to be shelling out some top results. From coal miner to painter, he has stories to tell, in twisted fantastic ways.

Aggression, compassion… tales that somehow don’t seem to be quite right… but they are painted right… almost too right. ‘Haunting’ some may say… but I find them beautiful, passionate and inspirational.

The Vernissage (opening) was epic, to say the least.

Ernst Fuchs & H.R Giger , two legends and old friends stood on either side of a smiling Viktor, as Ernst gave praise of his work in German & French and a friend of Viktor translated for him as much as he could into Russian.  The impressive Exhibition is made up of 29 original oil paintings owned by the Dutch collector Rardy van Soest.

There were many visitors cramped into the small rooms of the Chateau St. Germain, most all coming from some sort of distance, as the medieval town that holds the Giger Museum is perched up on a small mountain top. It reminds one of a fairytale, of dragons and knights. The Chateau is of the 13^th century and very befitting to hold the visions of fantastic and surreal artists. Although Giger’s Museum seems an endless labyrinth in itself, it is yet only a part of the greater Fortress.  A visit up in the Castle of Gruyere greets one straight away with 2 massive bronze sculptures by Patrick Woodroffe, then on through room after room whispering of centuries past. One room is dedicated to a collection of works by other Fantastic and Surreal painters such as: Jose Roosevelt, Sergej Aparin, Patrick Woodroffe & more.

I look forward to returning to this place… that has an underlying stink, of cheese and other-worldly smells. It most possibly holds one of those rare entry ways to other realms. 

Until then, I give my highest recommendation to experience this exhibition and the ambient surrounding…

Amanda Sage

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 at 8:04 pm by Amanda Sage and is filed under Artist News, Exhibitions, Paintings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.