…In short, Yuri Tatyanin is a powerful artist. Formerly a book seller, became a painter in the brutal primitive genre, author of numerous texts, both theoretical and artistic, creator of a whole mythology, not just his own, but also that of a city, he is the main figure who popularises contemporary art in the region.
The name Tatyanin today is an indicator of the present state of contemporary art in the Russian provinces. Yuri Tatyanin lives in Lipetsk – the industrial centre of Chernozemie, one of the richest cities of Russia, in which interest in the problems of contemporary art is practically non-existent. In such a situation any act of innovation becomes an act of resistance, non-conformism, a battle with narrow-minded values. Sometimes in the literal sense: exhibitions may be held in cellars instead of halls, may be closed by the authorities (and this is in our day!). The last large-scale action was the seizure by the artist of an abandoned building in the centre of Lipetsk and the making performances there, with the future aim of transforming the premises into a contemporary art Centre.

Recognition catches up with Tatyanin in the capitals – his art is well-known in St. Petersburg, and in Moscow it is already his third solo exhibition. The presentation of his own book with original graphics took place successfully within the framework of the recent “Art-Moscow”. The secret of his increasing popularity is simple – he creates expressive, disturbing “painting of direct action”, extremely frank and nothing like anyone else’s, but at the same time definitely within the spirit of the Contemporary. In his paintings Tatyanin, with his characteristic black humour, reacts to all disturbing events – both in the most recent history of Art and in the sphere of current news or the everyday, mundane life of his native city. In general, he creates art which can touch each of us. Fifteen new works from different cycles (including those dedicated to Beuys and Malevich) are presented in the exhibition, and also a few weapons for fighting with the blood-suckers who hinder contemporary art. It is expected that the performance “Freedom or television” will take place during the vernissage.