The Fechin Studio Exhibitions
THE FECHIN STUDIO Exhibitions at the Taos Art Museum are an opportunity for New Mexican artists and the community to mingle in the heart of the house that Russian artist Nicolai Fechin built. The artists selected for this series are not only accomplished in their work, but also support the Taos creative community and fit into the continuum of artist excellence, mirroring the work ethic, and life focus inspired by the artist Nicolai Fechin.
Tempo reached out to Christy Coleman, the Executive Director of the Taos Art Museum and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes snapshot of how she assembles the series, the challenges and rewards of hanging a show in the historic space, and the selection process for artists interested in showing their work in the Fechin Studio. Here are the highlights.
What are you looking for in an artist for the Fechin Studio Exhibitions?
I select studio exhibitions based on curatorial standards of artistic quality and relevance to the museum’s mission, and envision the series evolving to take that one step further to focus on exhibitions inspired by Nicolai Fechin.
After all, Fechin has inspired countless artists in many ways. From technique, materials, and personal drive to cultural heritage and history, contemporary artists establish a connection between their art and Fechin’s in interesting ways. Seeing that unfold is exciting. Fechin’s relevance is carried on through a modern lens.
How do the artists in the 2021 -2022 series fit the criteria?
While Zoë Zimmerman’s exhibition isn’t inspired by Fechin, they share the same perseverance to create, even when it’s challenging to do so. During the Russian Revolution, paint and canvas were scarce, but that didn’t stop Fechin from painting. Instead, he found new ways to create by grinding pigment himself and making canvases from stretched potato sacks. Likewise,
when Zoë’s studio work with models for clients came to a complete halt due to the pandemic, she found new ways to fill her photographic canvas. She embraced the solitude of quarantine and photographed still lifes beautifully, capturing the quietness and evolving to portray the somberness of death and social injustice.
Like Fechin, Matt Thomas is also an architect and artist, and they share a common thread of exploring different materials. Fechin’s use of patterns
inspired Matt, and he is creating work that will convey a dialogue between the two artists for his exhibition in the Studio this winter.
In February, Solange Roberdeau and Izumi Yokoyama will have a joint exhibition of individual yet harmonious drawings. They will also create a collaborative piece inspired by Fechin’s work and Studio.
Please talk about the studio space, and the process, challenges and rewards of hanging a show there.
Like the Fechin House, the Studio is an architectural masterpiece designed and hand-crafted by Nicolai Fechin. It was the first building he renovated on the property because having a space, or rather a sanctuary, where he could focus on his art was critically important.
The most significant elements of the Studio are the expansive steel-frame window which offers views of Taos mountain and illuminates the space with consistent northern light, and the Russian stove (fireplace.) The fireplace has a sleeping loft and a closet underneath where Fechin would wash his paintbrushes. Some Russians believed spirits lived behind or below fireplaces and that sleeping on them would cure sickness. Given the ailments Fechin suffered throughout his life, the fireplace was vital to making the space his own.
When artists walk into the Studio, there is often a moment where you can tell it’s taking their breath away. Fechin’s artistic touch is everywhere. His hand-carved architectural elements and furniture include details that offer clues about essential aspects of his life, such as sunflowers, his symbol for Russia, and pine cones, his motif for Taos. Nichos, with handcarved doors, served as storage.
There are physical challenges hanging an exhibition in the historic Studio, such as uneven walls and floors, which can make a painting appear to be hung crooked even though a level tells you it’s straight. In addition, Vigas sometimes hinder the ability to light a work of art the way it should be, and working around the nichos can be challenging. However, artists embrace these challenges because they feel honored to exhibit in the very place where Fechin created some of his best work.
Anything else our readers need to know?
We welcome exhibition proposals! Interested artists should send an exhibition proposal statement, CV and ten examples of work to Fechin Studio Exhibitions, 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM, 87571.
For more details about Taos Art Museum at Fechin House and the Fechin Studio Exhibitions visit their website taosartmuseum.org.