Carmel’s Behn Gallery featuring work of legendary Russian painter

Russian painter Valery Kosorukov now calls Indianapolis home. (Photo by Roben Bellomo)

See work of Valery Kosorukov & photographer Roben Bellomo tonight

Award-winning photographer Roben Bellomo is partnering with legendary Russian painter Valery Kosorukov to depict the art of ballet at Carmel’s Behn Gallery Studio now through March.

Bellomo recently partnered with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory to create original photographs inspired by the holiday story of the Nutcracker. Ballet has also been the main creative theme of Kosorukov’s work. Together the pair hope to inspire not only the dance community but capture the imagination of art lovers around Indy.

“This exhibit is living proof that art crosses borders and fosters fellowship,” Bellomo said. “Although we may have been worlds and decades apart when we originally created our images, Valery and I both see beauty in the art of ballet and share a common muse in this exhibit.”

Born in Moscow in 1937, Kosorukov now calls Indianapolis home. Best known for his oil paintings, Kosorukov gained world recognition in the mid-70s for his paintings and drawings of the Bolshoi Theatre and Ballet. Kosorukov now works in other genres as well, including portraiture, landscapes, and nudes. His works can be found in many public and private collections around the world.

“What an honor it is to work with one of the greats,” Bellomo added. “While we may not share the same medium, we’re both working to uphold an art form that began over 500 years ago. In capturing the essence of ballet, we find our place in the stories and learn that we’re all connected through art.”

Behn Gallery is committed to featuring artists who provide connections and experiences both with and through art. In that effort, the gallery will host a number of interactive opportunities to observe both professionals’ work. Today, Dec. 22 the gallery will hold an open house featuring both artists from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Together, they will take part in a Q&A session at 7 p.m.

The following events are also planned:

  • Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Kosorukov will be in the studio sketching ballet dancers.
  • Friday, Feb. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.: The gallery will host a history of ballet for dancers and ballet enthusiasts as it relates to Kosorukov’s work.
  • Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Bellomo will be in studio photographing ballet dancers.