“Nomad and Semi-Precious Stones”. Florentine Mosaic by Yuri Mandaganov

     From October 18, 2007 - November 4, 2007 the exhibition halls of the Russian Academy of Arts offer a display of thirty Florentine mosaic panels by the People’s Artist of Russia, People’s Artist of the Republic of Buryatia Yuri Mandaganov.  The topics and stylistics of his works represent a peculiar synthesis of Oriental traditions and European art.
     Yuri Mandaganov was born in the town of Zakamensk (Buryatia) in 1947 where semi-precious stones had been mined and much beloved since old time.  The artist has created mosaics, stained glasses, paintings that adorn public buildings in the capital and towns of Buryatia. Among them are stained glasses for the Technological University, Pioneers’ Palace in Ulan-Ude. Yuri Mandaganov took a great interest in the Florentine mosaic 15 years ago. It is this technique that has determined the artist’s philosophy and way of life. Yuri Mandaganov uses for his mosaics the Ural semi-precious stones, marble of various colors which he brings from expeditions together with his friends-geologists. The diversity of deep and noble shades of the natural material make it possible to create unique paintings in stone.
     In Russia, there are not many artists who work in the Florentine mosaic consuming a lot of labor and time. Yuri Mandaganov is eager to impart his knowledge and skills to young artists and is establishing an art school in Ulan-Ude. He is a participant of numerous exhibitions in Russia and other countries.





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