The portrait of the art collector with his wife. 2018

Curator: Andrey Remnev created this intriguing oil painting titled "The portrait of the art collector with his wife" in 2018. The artwork seems to synthesize portraiture, narrative elements, and perhaps even commentary on art collection itself. What’s your first reaction to it? Editor: Initially, it strikes me as… intentionally artificial. The stiff poses and the overtly symbolic backdrop create a mood that's both formal and a bit unsettling. Curator: Unsettling in what way, specifically? Is it the spatial tension? I would describe the artwork's composition as very symmetrical and contained. Editor: Partly. It’s the visible effort of "performance", the wife posing with an affection the eyes barely show. And I keep thinking about what choices went into the making of that backdrop—those vintage cars and the almost gaudy gold filigree. What kind of production shaped that aesthetic decision? Curator: Indeed. One could certainly argue that the semiotics are intentionally opulent. The juxtaposition of what seems like Eastern influence in the cabinet, flowers and the distinctly Russian landscape references point to complex narratives about value and artistic appreciation, and potentially the couple's social identity. Editor: That's true; but it makes me consider the artist's role. Was Remnev using a pre-primed canvas? How much of the oil paint was locally sourced versus internationally produced? What about the conditions in his studio when he painted it? Curator: Fascinating questions; although not necessarily intrinsic to understanding the artwork's… intrinsic construction. I would rather delve further into how the shapes of objects such as koi and cars interact on the picture plane and what that could represent. Editor: For me, understanding the materials and production enhances our understanding of intent and consequence. I cannot think about this artwork outside its physical reality and how much power can affect our perception of art's surface and story. Curator: Ultimately, “The portrait of the art collector with his wife.” creates a strong pictorial synthesis which provides us with a unique viewing experience. Editor: And reminds us that every image carries a material history along with its formal qualities. Thank you.