“The interest in graphics is the dictates of the present time. Graphic design is the basis for any work of art. In creative work of Sokolov graphics has a special place, he was an excellent graphic artist. I think the exhibition of Sokolov’s art works will help to better define the characteristic of the Crimean school of romantic landscape,” said art critic Roza Bashchenko at the opening of the exhibition dedicated to the 90th birth anniversary of the Crimean artist Volodymyr Sokolov. The exhibition “Travel Sketches” at the Simferopol Art Museum features 130 graphic designs: there is a series dedicated to Feodosia – hometown of the artist, Bakhchysarai, Simferopol, Kazantip, Tarkhankut, and also a joint series “Land of the Crimea.” There is also an exhibition of Sokolov’s paintings, collected from the museum funds, presented in the museum.
Larysa Brovko, Deputy Director for Research of the Simferopol Art Museum, noted that Sokolov is usually referred to as a master of romantic Crimean landscape of the Cimmerian School and it reflects lyrical and meditative character of the artist. “I knew Volodymyr, above all, as a great artist, who has made a significant contribution to the development of landscape painting in the Crimea. By nature he was a very handsome man: concise, kind, and talented. As a painter he preferred plein-air sessions, air, he was interested in the art of French impressionists – hence, the air environment, the softness of painting,” said Valentyn Hryhoriev, teacher of the Samokysh Crimean Art College, Honored Teacher of Ukraine, and Honored Artist. Valentyna Kharaborina, Honored Artist of the Crimea, teacher of the Samokysh Crimean Art College remembered: “In 1946 and 1947, when the boys came from the front to study in our school, I was in my first year. They worked extremely hard and persistent, it was amazing for us! Studying art was their conscious choice since they understood that it was their calling and we only tried to imitate them. For Sokolov, art was the meaning of his life: he had several albums with sketches that he later embodied in large-size color versions. The artist was very conscientious and made every sketch with great love. For me, the Crimea in Sokolov’s sketches is dear and real, I know the general mood because this is the Crimea of my youth.” The exhibition will be open until April 24.
