BWW Previews: A MODEL POINT OF VIEW by Emilia and Ilya Kabakov at The National Arts Club

The National Arts Club and the Office of Fine Arts presents a month long celebration of the iconic husband and wife artists, Emilia and Ilya Kabakov.

The free exhibition, 'A Model Point of View,' will show work that has never been on exhibit before, and will be complemented by a Sunday Salon conversation entitled, 'Exploring the World of The Kabakov's'. The celebrations will close with the duo being awarded with The National Arts Club's Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fine Art.

The exhibition marks the third installment of the Offices of Fine Arts fall program, under the direction of Dianne B. Bernard, following 'Charles James: Beneath the Dress' and 'Edvard Munch: Master Prints,' and will feature paintings, drawings and models from the pair widely regarded as one of the world's top-ten greatest living artists, and the foremost artists to emerge from the Soviet Union.

Dianne B. Bernhard, Director, Office of Fine Arts, comments: "In Emilia and Ilya Kabakov you understand the meaning behind the great philosopher Confucius' words; "The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions." "With a bond that has matured from a lifetime of failures and triumphs, they have command, resolve and authority. It is clear they share ideas, and are gifted with the ability to express powerfully yet softly. It is a blessing to witness."

In the Grand Gallery, paintings, drawings and models of realized installations, that have never been shown before, will illustrate the construction of the artistic creations that complement and correspond to installations of public projects throughout the world, including Japan, Italy, Germany and South Korea. They reflect freedom and social paradigms, and if at times the works appear unrealistic, they cannot help but encourage the viewer to return the pieces and analyze them to form their own opinion of a utopian society.

A collection of models hand-selected by the Kabakov's will also show in the Gregg Gallery which opens on Monday November 10. The pieces include the famous 'The Ship of Tolerance,' which has only previously been shown in Miami. Created to educate and connect youths in different continents, cultures, and identities through the language of art, the sails of the ship were stitched together from local school children's paintings to convey a message of tolerance and hope. The work will be displayed alongside several other major pieces including pieces including The Arch of Life, model and drawings, and drawings of installations. The exhibit will present a collection of never before exhibited models, including How to Meet an Angel and Vertical Opera.

The Sunday Salon, entitled 'Exploring the World of The Kabakov's,' will present a panel with Emilia Kabakov and The National Arts Club Governor and Senior Advisor to the Office of Fine Arts, Dr. Alex Rosenberg, and will provide an intense and comprehensive look at the accomplishments of these important and remarkable artists.

The Kabakov's boast an extensive body of work that speaks to the conditions in post-Stalinist Russia as well as the universal human condition. With work found in major collections throughout the world including MoMA, The Guggenheim, Centre Pompidou in Paris, Tate Modern in London and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Much of the Kabakov's success comes from using everyday themes to construct mythical worlds that encourage the viewer to contemplate their own view of society.

The free four-week exhibition will reintroduce the American art lover to these masters with a finely curated show.

The National Art's Club thanks Pace Gallery for their support. For more information on The National Arts Club at 15 Gramercy Park South in New York City, visit www.nationalartsclub.org or call (212) 475-3424.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The National Arts Club