Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1995
Signature: НКорм 95 / KORMAŠOV N. «SUVI» 34 x 51 L.Õ.1995

Nikolai Kormašov (1929-2012) was one of the most subtle colorists in Estonian art and one of the most prominent representatives of the harsh expressionist style and later lyrical realism, whose descendants still offer irreplaceable value to the local cultural space. As a tireless promoter of icon art, he also played an important role in starting the teaching of icon painting and restoration at the College of the Estonian Academy of Arts.

Kormašov’s work of the last quarter of a century consisted mainly of themes related to Southeast Estonia and so does this light-filled, freely and airily painted motif. The painting depicting the artist’s summer home in Tailova (also Taeluva) in Setomaa uses muted greenish and brownish tones. Despite the closeness to nature, the influence of the color perception of the later stages of icon painting (from the 17th century onwards) is also easily felt here. The influence of tradition does not have to be reflected directly or strikingly in any art form, be it visual arts, music, literature or theater, and this painting is an excellent example of this.

Text: Mai Levin