Aleksander Slyusarev - Untitled, 1983

Alexander Slyusarev (1944–2010) – Untitled, 1983 – Lifetime print 2009 – Signed – Edition 1/3

Description

Alexander Slyusarev (1944–2010)
Untitled, 1983
Lifetime print, printed in 2009
Edition 1/3
Signed, dated and numbered by the artist verso

Rare original black-and-white photographic print by Alexander Slyusarev, an important figure in Soviet and Russian art photography and one of the leading representatives of the Moscow school of photography.

The image was taken in 1983. This particular print was produced in 2009 during the artist’s lifetime, shortly before his death in 2010.

The reverse is hand-signed by Alexander Slyusarev, dated 1983 and numbered 1/3, identifying this example as the first print from an exceptionally small edition of only three.

Of particular importance is the provenance: the photograph was acquired personally and directly from Alexander Slyusarev by the present owner in Moscow in 2009 and has remained in the same private collection since acquisition.

The photograph is a characteristic example of Slyusarev’s approach to the urban environment. Everyday Soviet street life is transformed through a precise arrangement of light, shadow, architecture and human figures. The monumental vertical form in the centre divides the composition, while pedestrians, the passing vehicle and the strongly contrasting areas of sunlight and shade create a complex rhythm across the image.

Slyusarev was known for turning seemingly ordinary situations into carefully constructed studies of space, light and perception. His work became associated with what he described as “metaphysical photography”, in which familiar surroundings acquire an unexpected visual and psychological significance.

Slyusarev participated in numerous exhibitions in Russia and abroad and was a member of the influential Direct Photography (“Neposredstvennaya Fotografiya”) group. His photographs are represented in important museum and institutional collections.

This example has several particularly desirable characteristics for a collector:

• Lifetime print made in 2009
• Image dating from 1983
• Extremely small edition of only 3 prints
• Numbered 1/3
• Hand-signed by Alexander Slyusarev
• Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner
• Single-owner provenance since 2009

The photograph is offered unframed.

Condition: Very good overall condition. Minor traces of handling and storage may be present, consistent with an unframed photographic print of this age. Please examine all photographs carefully; the photographs of the front, surface, margins and signed reverse form an integral part of the condition description.

The work will be carefully and securely packed for shipment.

Artist: Alexander Slyusarev (1944–2010)
Title: Untitled
Image date: 1983
Print date: 2009
Medium: Black-and-white photographic print
Edition: 1/3
Signature: Hand-signed by the artist verso
Annotations: 1983, 1/3
Provenance: Acquired directly from Alexander Slyusarev in Moscow in 2009; private collection since acquisition
Framing: Unframed

Short description

Rare lifetime print by Alexander Slyusarev (1944–2010). Photograph taken in 1983 and printed in 2009 during the artist’s lifetime. Hand-signed, dated and numbered 1/3 on the reverse. Acquired directly from Alexander Slyusarev by the present owner in Moscow in 2009 and kept in the same private collection ever since. An exceptionally small edition of only three prints.