RUSSIAN TREASURES: Past & Present is a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional Exhibition representing a wide range of talent stemming from Russia. From an Important Collection of Rare Antique Russian Icons dating back to the 16th Century, to a Fine Collection of Antique Silver dating back to the 18th Century, Galerie Zama highlights the best of the past together with the imaginative and diversified works of two Contemporary Russian Painters, Valery Yershov and Alexander Sasha Sergeeff.

Valery Yershov reacts to cultural changes by painting a dreadfully detailed material world of expensive decor, in which aboriginal mascots and feral dogs invade elaborately furnished parlors. Valery was born in 1960 in the Soviet city of Yessentuki, and graduated from the Graphics Department of the Leningrad Pedogogical Institute. He moved to Moscow in 1987, and then to Stockholm in 1988. Before immigrating to America in 1991, Valery took part in exhibits in Russia and Europe, and London Contemporary presented a one-man show of his works in Moscow. He has had one-man and group exhibits in New York and other US cities, and his work has been sold through the auction house of Philips of London.

Alexander Sasha Sergeeff was born in Moscow, Russia in 1968. He started painting at 5. Winning his first prize at age 9, he soon enrolled in the Middle School of Art. Greatly influenced by Diego Velazquez and John Singer Sargent, Sasha studied at both the Moscow Institute of Arts and the Russian Academy of Painting. Invited to Rome in 1990, he fell in love with the light and beauty of the city and immigrated to Italy. He now paints portraits and commissions from his studio in Rome. His art has been featured in numerous publications, including a special Italian edition of Architectural Digest and International Artist. Sasha's paintings have been exhibited in Moscow, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Stockholm as well as in various cities and towns across the United States.

Galerie Zama will also host two auctions: An auction of 60 paintings by various Russian Artists on Thursday, June 19th at 7:15pm, and a Fine Jewelry Auction of Designer Pieces on Thursday, June 26th at 7:15pm. For more information on each of these auctions, see our Exhibition Listings.

A percentage of all sales will be donated to The Jim Arden Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization which helps create better lives for orphans and disadvanted Tanzanian children. For more information, on these and upcoming events at Galerie Zama, please contact lisa@galeriezama.com