25 June 2010
Exhibition showcases reflective Russian images
The artistic talents of a University of Sheffield professor, whose unique photographs use the waterways in St Petersburg as a distorting mirror, are being exhibited at a dedicated culture centre promoting understanding about Russia and its neighbours.
Professor Craig Brandist, from the University´s Department of Russian and Slavonic Studies, is showcasing his photographs until 2 July 2010 at the Scotland-Russia Institute in Edinburgh, enabling visitors to view scenes taken during his time researching in Russia in 2008 and 2009.
Professor Brandist, who has penned several books about the history and culture of the USSR, has been a regular visitor to St Petersburg since the early 1990s and took an interest in capturing the city´s people and architecture on film.
The effects of Professor Brandist´s work range from urban scenes reminiscent of late impressionism, through to abstract expressionism. In some images, the reflections of the subjects are almost perfectly represented as the surface of the water is barely disturbed, while in others, the water is choppier, resulting in a surreal kaleidoscope effect, twisting the reflected image.
The exhibition, entitled St. Petersburg: Reflections of a Floating Life, also features a triptych of two men in conversation, subtly distorted from left to right due to the ebb and flow of the water.
This is the first time Professor Brandist´s work has been selected for exhibition and he hopes to showcase this work at other venues while developing his photography further.
Professor Craig Brandist, from the Department of Russian and Slavonic Studies at the University of Sheffield, said: "I have been taking photographs in St Petersburg for many years, trying to capture the peculiar light effects in the city, and am delighted to have been able to exhibit the images. Responses to the photos in both Russia and the UK have been very encouraging and I hope to be able to develop my work in the area further."
Notes for Editors: To find out more about the St. Petersburg: Reflections of a Floating Life exhibition and the Scottish-Russia Institute, visit the link below.
For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
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