Malaysia inspires Russian artist

KUALA LUMPUR: Russian artist Vladimir Velichko is no stranger to Malaysia when it comes to putting brushstrokes onto canvas. "When something catches my eye or attracts me, I want to make the moment last. So, I put it on paper through art."

The 57-year-old artist has made Malaysia and its people a frequent subject in his works. He said he was fascinated by Malaysians' warmth, hospitality and humility.

"It could be anything at all, but it has to be something that seizes the moment. "Joy, pain, anything at all," said Velichko, who is here on holiday with his family.

Though he has visited the country many times, he said there was always something new that inspired him. "Malaysia also brings back a lot of fond memories of my father and my early days," he told the New Straits Times.

Velichko, who is an honoured artist in Russia, has had exhibitions of his artwork here. He has painted scenes of the country's holiday destinations and the lifestyles of the communities here for almost a decade. He added that the best part about his visits over the years was not only that they were artistically inspiring, but they had also given him the opportunity to make friends.

"Though the scenery changes, Malaysians' warmth remains nice and welcoming," said Velichko, who is the chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod group of the Russian Artists Union in the Volga region in Russia.

In 2009, Velichko exhibited 90 portraits of Malaysian politicians, businessmen, public figures and their families at Pullman Lakeside Hotel in Putrajaya. The pieces were up for sale and 20 per cent of the proceeds went to charity.

His works have drawn praises from many, including former tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who opened the exhibition. His paintings are oil-based or done in watercolour and they range from depictions of historic incidents to realistic images of daily life. Velichko has been painting Malaysian scenes since he first followed his artist father here in 1991.

In 1996, he held his first solo art exhibition here, followed by others in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2010.

When asked whether he had plans for an exhibition this time, Velichko said he had not thought about it. "Although I have been painting since I got here, I have yet to think about having one. But if I do, it would be an open exhibition."

-nst online.