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17:15
Artist Arkhip Kuindzhi — master of the illusion of light
In the second half of the 19th century Arkhip Kuindzhi, defined by many as a talented, self-taught genius not afraid to stray from tradition, raised the bar regarding the art of the Russian landscape to unprecedented heights. Ilya Repin wrote of Kuindzhi, “The illusion of light was his god and there was no other artist that managed to achieve as much as he did in the art of landscape. Kuindzhi is the painter of light.” After the showing of his painting “Night on the Dnepr” in 1880, Arkhip Kuindzhi became famous all over the country. People stood in enormous queues in order to catch a glimpse of his lifelike landscapes however at forty years old, Kuindzhi decided that he no longer wanted to show his paintings. This “silence” lasted for 30 years, until his death. A visit to the famed artist’s museum-apartment in St. Petersburg helps to shed some light on the mystery that shrou...
The art of pottery in Suzdal
The historic town of Suzdal was first mentioned in manuscripts dating back to 1024, leading researchers to believe that the town was founded no later than in the 10th century, almost immediately following the formation of the Russian state. Suzdal is conveniently located on the bank of the Kamenka River, which once served as a key trade route and undoubtedly contributed to the city’s prosperity. Suzdal quickly became one of the largest trade and industrial centres in Northeast Russia. Many artifacts can still be found in the history-rich soils and help to retell the city’s thousand-year history and the key role it once played in trade. Each year buried fragments of tools, jewelry and pottery are discovered, and not always by archeologists! Many artifacts have been uncovered, for example, as builders set foundations for new homes. This is exactly what happened several years ago and the cl...
Now on air
17:30
The art of pottery in Suzdal
Fishing for Atlantic Salmon Beyond the Polar Circle
The Barents Sea coast is marked by rapid northern rivers that flow into the sea. It is here that giant Atlantic salmon come to spawn. They stubbornly swim against the strong flows of rivers on the Kola Peninsula in order to lay their eggs. However reaching this difficult destination has proven more of a challenge for fishermen than for the fish. Fishermen are forced to overcome some serious obstacles as the Barents Sea coast is located beyond the Arctic Circle and there is no road across the tundra. The only way to reach the salmon living in the rivers of the Kola Peninsula is by helicopter, and getting the chance to travel to this harsh region is the dream of almost every real fisherman. Here you might catch the biggest fish you’ve ever caught in your life, but then must release back into the sea.
Now on air
17:30