Boris Grebenshikov with his paintings. Photo: Yelena Yakovleva. (Large jpg - 52k)
Rock stars paint too. Boris Grebenshchikov of Aquarium, the best-known Russian rock band, proves it by presenting 11 of his paintings (made over the past decade) in a downtown art gallery. For this exhibition, called "Bliznetsy-razboiniki" ("Twin Rogues"), the 41-year-old musician collaborated with artist Victor Tikhomirov, who displays 19 of his own works. Both are members of the artists' group Mitki, which made their way from cult status in the early to mid-1980s to national fame through their primitivist-style paintings, books, films, and easygoing albeit spiritual way of life. Grebenshchikov's first painting, he tells us, was made in 1979 and depicted an old barn.
The critically acclaimed Tikhomirov defends his fellow "rogue" from overzealous attackers who might brand him a dilettante.
"It is the easiest thing to deny that he has professionalism," said Tikhomirov, "but I do not like professionalism in art. In fact, I run from it." There is more than one link between two artists. Tikhomirov acknowledged Aquarium's influence on his work when he said he painted with the band's tape playing. And Grebenshchikov said he had Tikhomirov's paintings at home -- to look at while he composes music.