A Look at the Orient in Russian Fine Art of the 19th–21st Centuries

In Russia, the turn towards the East has long been a pressing necessity. Both national and Islamic motivations are significant, both for external observers and for those within the culture itself. This culture is multifaceted and intensely evolving, absorbing influences from various sources. The book presented to readers allows us to trace the evolution of the oriental theme in Russian art, from the ethnographic sketches of participants in scientific expeditions in the late 18th century to the creations of contemporary artists. Numerous illustrations of works (many published for the first time) accompany articles by scholars exploring various aspects of this topic. 

The book comprises 7 articles written by Russian art critics.

1. Olga Nefedova — "One Hundred Years of Russian Orientalism".
2. Ekaterina Ermakova — "The Magical Midday Lands…".
3. Leila Geybatova — "Orientalism and Professional Visual Art in the North Caucasus Republics".
4. Anton Uspensky — "From Russian to Soviet Orientalism".
5. Mlada Khomutova — "Evacuation of Artists to the East (1941–1943)".
6. Maria Filatova — "Contemporary Art of the Muslim Regions of Russia: a Perspective from the East".
7. Galina Tuluzakova — "Kazan: a Dialogue between Russian and Tatar Art. Intersections and Mutual Influence".

The book is intended for historians, scholars of culture, and a broad audience interested in the arts.