07.11.04

Oglethorpe University Museum
of Art Displays Works of Prodigious Russian Painter

ATLANTA - The world of arts and culture can be thankful that a young, Russian artist rejected his elitist father's decree that the boy should follow him into the "more fitting" practice of the law. While he did finish law school in his native St. Petersburg, the son, Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich (1874 - 1947), was more intrigued by archeology, architecture, music, science, poetry and painting. He interpreted these transcendental experiences into thousands of mystical works of art.

Thirty-five of Roerich's paintings from private American collections will be on display for the first time in America at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art from Sept. 19 through Dec. 19. This unique presentation includes some of the first Western paintings of Tibet and Central Asia, a painting from the opera "Sadko" and a haunting Russian Orthodox iconic version of the "Queen of Heaven."

"Roerich's paintings, especially those of the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, are stunning in their ability to capture the viewer's imagination and ease the viewer into a state of contemplative meditation," says Lloyd Nick, director of OUMA. "Once the eyes have caught these splendid, calming images, they become a permanent part of the viewer's memory. There is a substance to the work of Roerich that magically reaches the deepest part of each one of us."

Roerich's philosophy, being universal, enabled him to perceive mystical, seemingly unrelated connections between art, science and society. He explored the spiritual yearnings of humanity and translated the images into his paintings. Roerich was the creator of the concept that is OUMA's motto, "Knowledge through Beauty."

Roerich was in the United States from 1920 to 1923 before he and wife Helena moved to Kullu, India, at the foot of the Himalayas. Together they founded and developed a new philosophical teaching called Agni Yoga. Agni Yoga is a synthesis of ancient Eastern beliefs and modern Western thought, and a bridge between the spiritual and the scientific.

Nicholas Roerich died in Kullu on Dec. 13, 1947, leaving behind a legacy of 7,000 works of art.

Photos are available.

About the Museum

Comprising two spacious galleries and occupying some 7,000 square feet on the third floor of Lowry Hall and Philip Weltner Library of Oglethorpe University, OUMA offers an attractive and pleasant environment for the viewing of elegantly curated exhibits. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is easily accessible, offers ample free parking and admits visitors free of charge. The museum's gift shop features a wide selection of museum-inspired and multicultural gifts, books and crafts.

Museum Hours:
Tuesdays through Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and university holidays
http://museum.oglethorpe.edu/Roerich2004

For Information and Photos, Contact
Erica Rountree
Interim Director of Marketing Communications
Oglethorpe University
404.364.8447 nsmith@oglethorpe.edu

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