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Roussimoff World Contact: Vi Email forviv@aol.com

ROUSSIMOFF NEWS

 January 2009

Volume 1, Issue 2

 

 

Roussimoff World Contact: Vi Email forviv@aol.com

ROUSSIMOFF MASONIC TRIPTYCH CURRENTLY ON VIEW IN NEW YORK MASONIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Below are several views showing Roussimoff's three painting series "Parable of Light and Dark" currently displayed at the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library and Museum. If you can, visit the museum to see the actual works. The address of the museum is 71 W 23rd Street New York, NY, 14th floor.

http://www.roussimoff.com/masonic_paintings.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

A SPECTACULAR MASONIC EVENT AT La Petite Auberge

Roussimoff, ONE OF THE EVENING'S FEATURED SPEAKERS!

Read all about it!

http://themagpiemason.blogspot.com/2008/12/another-big-night-at-little-inn.html

 

 

Monday, December 8, 2008

Another Big Night at ‘The Little Inn’

 


Tonight the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, of the Grand Lodge of New York, returned to La Petite Auberge in Murray Hill for its second annual dinner-lecture, this one titled “Freemasonry and the Arts.”

I’ll continue with a Magpie account of the evening shortly, but for now I’ll just share some photos.

These photos deny Bro. Ari Roussimoff’s work the justice it deserves. The colors, even in the subtly lit restaurant, are captivating and thrust the viewer into fantasy.




 
Thanks to the familiar symbols, the scenes are not entirely foreign, but clearly you’re taken into another world. (The poor quality of these photos is attributed to the need to shoot from an angle for lighting purposes. Really the best that could be managed without using more equipment.)




RW Bill Thomas, center, greets two of his guests. Bill is a Trustee of the Library. On Monday the 29th, he’ll be installed in the East of American Lodge of Research.



From left: artist Ari Roussimoff, Mark Koltko-Rivera, Daniel from the Livingston Library, and Tom Savini, Director of the Library.



That’s Bob Stutz on the right, as if you’re looking at him.

 

NEWSFLASH! Featured in the Fall Issue 2008 of the Empire State Mason Magazine is an article about and pictures of the Masonic themed works of Ari Roussimoff. ( use the arrows to scroll to page 18) http://esmason.com/magpdf/esm_fall_2008.pdf or click here http://www.roussimoff.com/painted_masonic_visions.htm

For Information Contact Vi at forviv@aol.com

ROUSSIMOFF NEWS

 January 2008

Volume 1, Issue 1

 

 

 

Special Interest Roussimoff Articles Below

Look what we saw on U Tube!!! A Yiddish Theater Song Music Video from Europe Illustrated By Roussimoff Paintings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgx49E0IiMk

The Artist Is Accepting Commissions

The Creation of Roussimoff Hand Enhanced Giclees/Uniclees

 Roussimoff Speaks About Recent Paintings: See His Newest Works  

Roussimoff Paints Portraits

ROUSSIMOFF NOW ACCEPTING COMMISSIONS

Recently Roussimoff has taken on commission work, and the results have been most exciting. The artist would like to let his collectors know that he is indeed available for commission work.  Whether you saw a Roussimoff work that you admired and would like Roussimoff to  paint a similar work, or you have an idea for a painting that is within his genre, please do not hesitate to discuss this with us. Roussimoff’s most accomplished themes are Russian, Ukrainian, Jewish, East European and Surreal. If you have something in mind, he is always open to hearing your ideas. Original oil paintings on commission start at $900.00. Contact Vi at forviv@aol.com

 

ROUSSIMOFF CREATES  THE UNICLEE

 HIS UNIQUE HAND ENHANCED GICLEES

Giclees are now becoming hotly collected around the world.  Roussimoff  has selectively created hand-enhanced giclees.  Many of the paintings that you see on the web site can be made available in giclee form. Roussimoff calls his unique hand enhanced creations "Uniclees".

 WHAT IS A HAND ENHANCED GICLEE OR UNICLEE?

Here, in his own words is Roussimoff's description of his Uniclee technique:

“I derive the term UNICLEE from the word unique which literally means “like no other". Each one of these pieces is indeed like no other. Whereas the standard Giclee is done by reproducing an artist's painting on a canvas or piece of paper with no embellishment whatsoever or sometimes handing it over to an apprentice or technician, who mechanically adds little dabs of paint to simulate an “original” look, each UNICLEE by Roussimoff is completely original. And although my technique is new, each of my UNICLEES would be considered an original piece, according to the standards accepted over hundreds of years in the world of art. Let me describe my process. Over the years an artist creates works that he loves and cherishes. As each work is a living artistic entity, one sometimes wonders how one could re-interpret the piece in accordance with one’s personal growth on artistic, psychological and spiritual levels. However as the artwork satisfies its painter there would be no need to make changes. In creating a UNICLEE, I take a favourite painting, reproduce its image on a canvas, using the best of archival inks, and then I virtually reinterpret it anew. This is a wonderful process. It allows a beloved theme to grow and develop as much as I do as a human being. Each work differs from one another in technique and colour. And, often I vary details of subject. An example of a change made by me in a UNICLEE might be to change subtly the time during the day or night or change the season, which effects the appearance of a particular street or city. The place is the same, but it might look somewhat different, with shifting light and weather. So it is with each UNICLEE. I have great joy in creating each of these. My approach is one of total freedom. Never do I limit myself in how and where I apply my brush. If one holds several versions of another artist's standard Giclee side by side one will hardly notice any difference from one to another. Each and every picture in a series of UNICLEES created by me differ from one another. At times the differences are subtle, other times more obvious. All are painted in their entirety by myself and as stated before, they are created with total freedom. -Ari Roussimoff 20006”

       

 TROIKA THROUGH TOWN 

Original hand-enhanced giclee on canvas 16 x 20

Below are details of this giclee. Please note the rich, thick texture. All personally painted by the artist. 

Giclee prices start at $500.00 Each one is a unique creation unto itself.

 

Roussimoff Speaks About Recent Artwork

 This title “A Russian Views America” was given to describe a series of works created over the past few years. Paintings in this genre are ongoing in my repertoire of themes. Creating these works has been one of the most challenging experiences. When asked what country today I most identify with, I can only respond that I am a citizen of God’s world. My true homeland has always been the world lived on my canvases. On a practical plateau, I have been the consummate world traveler, living in a variety of lands. Over the years, although I have spent considerable periods of time in the United States, for some reason I never felt familiar enough with the country to be able to paint it. During recent years however, I broadened my horizons and luckily was able to travel more extensively through America. And in the process, I discovered a new language. And I became inspired to paint. Being European, I was moved by a uniquely lyrical spirit in America, one not commonly appreciated or even recognized. What now spoke to me was a sensibility which was universal. One which placed these favourite American cities amongst other great international metropolises, Paris, Munich, Venice, all of which I love dearly. Here now are a few examples of works from this series inspired by the great cities of America.  

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

     

SOUTH BEACH CAFÉ LIFE

30inches x 40 inches Oil on Canvas

This was the very first work I had done in the series. I had been instantly enamoured with South Beach which reminded me of the great European Riviera. At the time, I had no idea I would be doing other works depicting my interpretations of American cities.

SPAIN IN MIAMI

 CARNIVAL IN MIAMI   

36 inches x 48 inches Oil on Canvas

 One of the most picturesque areas in Miami Beach is called Espanola Way. In this work I used the sensuous, almost exotic neighborhood setting as a backdrop for a Carnival, timeless in spirit. This area with its unique old-world Spanish architecture added much to what I see as Miami Beach's European aura. In this composition I placed a host of figures from the carnival, the circus and the sideshows. There are Jesters, dancing Pinheads, a Bearded Lady, Jo-Jo the Russian Dog Faced Man, a Magician as well as as the great 17th century Spanish old master Velasquez, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

ATLANTIC CITY

 A great ever growing amusement center on the Eastern Coast of the USA . Second to Las Vegas in spirit, I have enjoyed many visits here over the recent times.  

 THE BOARDWALK OF ATLANTIC CITY  

30 x 40 oil on canvas

With seagulls constantly flying overhead, one should never be surprised at unwelcome droppings. In the distance is American tycoon Donald Trump’s ornate “Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino”. This is a great looking building. With its onion-like domes it reminds me of classic Russian architecture. On the left side is the Hard Rock Café with its murals of Elvis Presley and its bustling outdoor café.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

  One of my favourite cities. The ultimate testimonial to creativity and art in America. Having made films myself, I am passionate about cinema. And the history of Hollywood Cinema is something I have lived with since childhood. To this day, it is the classic films which  continually stimulate and inspire me.

 

 HOLLYWOOD ETERNAL  

36 x 48 oil on canvas

  That which is truly great is eternal. Here I wanted to pay homage to Hollywood at its finest. Although certainly many more great artists warranted inclusion, choices had to me made. In my first tribute to Hollywood I have included Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Bette Davis, Peter Lorre, Clark Gable, Erich Von Stroheim, Laurel & Hardy, Edward G. Robinson, Rudolph Valentino, Mae West, Eric Campbell, The Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers, Lon Chaney Sr. (as the Phantom of the Opera), John Wayne, Boris Karloff (as Frankenstein’s Monster), Gibson Gowland, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, the Wizard of Oz stars (Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr & Toto). I also included a small portrayal of mystical Guru George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff as a news vendor. This was done because of the heavy influence of mysticism in Hollywood circles at the time. Also within the group is the dwarf performer, Major Noble George Washington Winner who was with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Incidentally, Harold Lloyd appears wearing the official Fez of the “Al Malaika” Shriners Temple , of which he served as Imperial Potentate. On the right side of the composition once can see the old Hollywood Masonic Temple. This building now serves as the studio of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” television program.

 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

 While Coney Island may once have been known as America ’s playground, I find that today the moniker belongs hands down to Las Vegas. Gaudy and Kitsch though it may be, I love the place. A brilliant vision that stands on its own as an icon of the times.

LAS VEGAS RAZAMATAZ  

30 x 40 Oil on canvas

  Las Vegas Boulevard is huge beyond belief. With artistic license I condensed the scene to include certain landmarks. The hotel casinos Riviera, Wynn, Paris, Mirage and New York, New York. I even depicted the landmark sculpture of magicians Siegfied and Roy.

 SUN OVER LAS VEGAS  

30 x 40 Oil on canvas

 The Casinos, the Circus, the sexy visitors on the bridge. The sun smiles down over a panorama which stretches from the MGM Casino to the Paris. Circus charechters are wonderful to paint. So similar to what I painted in Miami Beach, here too are clowns, a Bearded Lady, Magicians and a Jester carrying balloons. There is the famed P. T. Barnum discovery, the “midget” General Tom Thumb alongside his wife Lavinia Warren. Also on the bridge are two Freemasons wearing their ritual aprons.

 BOARDWALK CASINO, LAS VEGAS  

24 x 30 Oil on canvas

This particular Casino, quite literally belongs to history. With its “Surf Buffet”, it was patterned to symbolize old-time Coney Island . The Casino was recently demolished.

  OTHER RECENT PAINTINGS

CARNIVALS, CIRCUS, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, JUDAICA:

 In old Ukrainia, Russia, Belorussia or Poland it was a big day when the carnival came to town. The tents and attractions were usually set up in a part of the largest Market Place which usually was located in proximity of a Church. The townsfolk all came by to see the wonders. Some came with the intent of partaking of every single ride and amusement while others came out of mere curiosity, to only get a brief glimpse of the colourful festivities. Talk about ethnic and cultural diversity! Everyone came together at the sideshows and the markets. Peasants and gentry alike. In any given Ukrainian town, the ethnic mix would include local Ukrainian, Hassidic Jewish, (sometimes Polish and Russian residents, Czarist Police officers and Cossack Hetmans. Its funny how in today’s politics they enjoy throwing around the word “diverse”as if it is something recently discovered. That may be propaganda, but it is not reality.

 CARNIVAL SIDESHOW 

 36 x 48 oil on canvas

 CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES  

36 x 48 oil on canvas

 

THE RUSSIAN DOG FACED MAN 

24 x 30 oil on canvas

 This work represents a man named Adrian Jeftichew who was afflicted by a condition of excessive hairiness called Hypertrichosis. A circus personality for much of his life, Jeftichew’s fame was eclipsed by his equally hairy son who was known professionally as “Jo-Jo the Dog Faced Boy”. With the collapse of the Soviet Union , by luck I recently was able to acquire transcripts from a series of interviews conducted in the 1920’s by Soviet researchers with surviving members of the extended Jefticheff family. The information I gathered debunks virtually every morsel of information about these people that has been floating around for ages (both the promotional & the researched). I plan on eventually putting this rare material to use, Perhaps in another film. In any event, what impresses me most in the hairy so-called “Freaks” like Adrian or Jo-Jo is that these individuals convey a unique dignity. They seem less like freaks and more like people who should really be no other way.

 MY WORLD OF LOVE

 The spirit of the old Slavic and Jewish traditions have been my closest language of expression. And I enjoy continuing to work in this very inspirational venue. Here are some paintings recently completed.

 WINTER EVENING 

  24 x 36 oil on canvas

 CHANGING SEASONS  

16 x 20 oil on canvas

 MARKET SQUARE  

14 x 18 oil on canvas

 VILLAGE ACROBATS  

11 x 14 oil on canvas

 BEFORE CHRISTMAS 

14 x 18 oil on canvas

 SNOWFLAKES  

16 x 20 oil on canvas

 

MAGICAL SUMMER FLOWERS 

24 x 30 oil on canvas

ARRIVAL OF WINTER

  24 x 30 oil on canvas

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE SUMMER EVENING  

11 x 14 acrylic on canvas-panel

SERENADE: A UKRAINIAN LOVE SONG

  16 x 20 oil on canvas

 

 MAGIC RAINBOW 

12 x 16 oil on canvas

 

SPIRITUALITY

 In the pre war world of Eastern Europe, there once were many Synagogue buildings built entirely from wood. These were truly amazing in their intricacy of architecture. Artistically speaking, these sacred buildings provide nourishment for creativity. Here I painted one such exquisite house of worship. The setting is a Ukrainian village or the outskirts of town. It is a Sabbath or holiday afternoon and worshipers have gone outside during an intermission in services. Since women were separated from men, we see a group of female attendees standing in the distance at the left. The Jewish clothing is accurate historically. The large round fur hat is known as a “Spodik”. The shorter one is the “Shtreiml”. 

 ANCIENT WOODEN SYNAGOGUE  

24 x 30 oil on canvas

 THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE  

24 x 30 oil on canvas

 ABRAHAM SACRIFICING ISAAC 

30 x 40 oil on canvas

 This theme from the Bible I find to be highly relevant in our turbulent times. It is a great saga about love, devotion and truth. This painting was actually begun in 1973 and for some reason I never finished it. Recently I looked at the incomplete work and with a fresh sense of inspiration I went to work and completed it. My belief has always been that civilization is a revolving ball. Much progress, though both impressive and frightening does not break this revolving process. Therefore whatever happens within the human experience in our day, I can find its analogy in the Bible. And within a broader scope, in a way this is can be comforting.

 -Roussimoff

January 2008

ROUSSIMOFF PORTRAITS

Often, in his paintings Roussimoff includes portraits of real people.  Although Roussimoff is not a portrait painter per se, if you have an idea and understand that the portrayal would be quite a ways from photographic realism, Roussimoff will surely give you an honest appraisal of what he feels he can and cannot do.  Below is an example of a portrait Roussimoff did for a collector who is an avid fisherman. Roussimoff was quite taken by a recent photo of the man, proudly displaying his catch.

In the above portait, the trophy winning fisherman displays the fine catches of the day. With good natured humour, Roussimoff also shows a person victorious over the sea as several whales feel deprived of a lunch of fish.      

So, please, whether it is small painting or a mural you have in mind, do not hesitate to contact us with your idea.

ARTIST ARI ROUSSIMOFF EXHIBITS PAINTINGS AND FILM AT ATLANTIC CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

 

Coming directly from Miami Beach to Atlantic City, noted artist and film director Ari Roussimoff  will be exhibiting a selection of paintings and showing film work at the Atlantic City International Film & Music Festival. 

 

 

 

 

“THE BOARDWALK OF ATLANTIC CITY

2005 Oil on Canvas 30 x 40 inches

 

 

Together with producer-writer Vivian Forlander, Roussimoff is showing their acclaimed documentary film “Freaks Uncensored! A Human Sideshow” at the Festival on Saturday Sept. 11, 2010 at 3:15 PM in Atlantic City. Considered the most comprehensive documentary ever made on the controversial history of physical human anomalies throughout the ages, the film reaches well beyond the world of circus sideshows and explores a larger picture that involves medicine, science, politics, myth and art. The Atlantic City festival marks the official DVD release of the movie. Roussimoff and Forlander will be present to discuss their work.

 

 

 

The multi-faceted Roussimoff has painted a unique artwork to serve as the festival’s official poster.

 

ATLANTIC CITY FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL”

2010 Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30 inches


painting by Ari Roussimoff

 

 

 

COME SEE ARI ROUSSIMOFF, HIS FILM AND PAINTINGS AT ATLANTIC CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL FROM SEPTEMBER 8-12 2010

  

 

 

The artist describes the painting for the Atlantic City International Film & Music Festival:

 

“My concept was to paint a celebration of the art of film, music and Atlantic City. Starting at the right side, top to bottom: legendary comedian Harpo Marx symbolizing a quintessential combination of film with music. His Harp is carved into an image of King Neptune/Poseidon. Underneath are the eternal classics: Beethoven and Verdi. Then various music styles. Next to a Hassidic Jewish klezmer musician is jazz: the great Louis Armstrong on his trumpet. Then the symphonic violinist and the opera: “Rigoletto”. At the top of the left side is a symbolic festival theater. Above the marquee, another King Poseidon beside a mermaid. Next comes the world of movies: the western and the horror movie as identified with Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s Monster. Then the geniuses of comedy: Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy. At center is Atlantic City, rife with fun and excitement. There we have Caesar’s, Balley’s, and a vision of Harrah’s appears magically above. Cameras, seagulls and even fish participate in the event. Atlantic City is rich in positive energy.”

 

 

 

Painter Ari Roussimoff lives in his art. A truly international artist, his passionate painterly visions of old Russia and Ukraine are complimented by exciting works devoted to Switzerland, Israel, Italy, and American cities such as Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Florida and Hollywood California.

 

 

 

 

 

For Information Contact Vi at forviv@aol.com

 

NEWSFLASH! Featured in the Fall Issue 2008 of the Empire State Mason Magazine is an article about and pictures of the Masonic themed works of Ari Roussimoff. ( use the arrows to scroll to page 18) http://esmason.com/magpdf/esm_fall_2008.pdf or click here http://www.roussimoff.com/painted_masonic_visions.htm

For Information Contact Vi at forviv@aol.com