Vyacheslav Tarnovetsky (1945–2002) - Two with Shields, 1978

Vyacheslav Tarnovetsky (1945–2002)
Two with Shields, 1978
Posthumous photographic print made in 2009 from the artist’s original negative
Edition 1/20
Annotated and signed by Boris Savelev on the reverse

Rare black-and-white photographic work by Vyacheslav Tarnovetsky, an important representative of independent Soviet and Ukrainian photography.

The photograph dates from 1978 and is identified in the handwritten annotation on the reverse as “Two with Shields”.

The image depicts two men carrying large rectangular panels through an urban courtyard. Tarnovetsky transforms this ordinary everyday event into a highly structured composition through the interaction of the human figures, trees, fence, architecture and strong geometric forms.

The unusual position of the panels creates an almost abstract visual rhythm and gives the photograph the characteristic sense of an accidental yet perfectly balanced “photographic event” associated with Tarnovetsky’s work.

This particular example is a posthumous print produced in 2009 from Tarnovetsky’s original negative.

The handwritten annotation on the reverse identifies:

Vyacheslav Tarnovetsky
“Two with Shields”
1978
Printed in 2009 from the artist’s negative
Edition 1/20

The annotation records the involvement of Rodion and Boris Savelev in the production of the print and bears Boris Savelev’s handwritten signature.

This association is particularly important for the provenance of the photograph. Boris Savelev was Tarnovetsky’s close friend and artistic colleague. Together with Alexander Slyusarev and Sergey Lopatyuk, they belonged to the circle of independent Soviet photographers known as “The Four.”

The group presented an important exhibition in Šiauliai, Lithuania, in 1978 — the same year in which this photograph was taken.

Tarnovetsky developed a highly individual photographic language based on observation of everyday reality. His photographs avoid conventional storytelling and instead concentrate on relationships between light, geometry, space, human figures and seemingly accidental details.

His work was shown internationally in exhibitions devoted to independent Soviet photography, including Another Russia, Say Cheese! Soviet Photography 1968–1988 and Changing Reality.

Photographs by Tarnovetsky are represented in important institutional collections in Europe and the United States.

This particular print has several important characteristics for collectors:

* Image dating from 1978
* Produced in 2009 from the artist’s original negative
* Limited edition of 20 examples
* Numbered 1/20
* Extensive handwritten attribution and provenance on the reverse
* Signed by Boris Savelev
* Direct association with Tarnovetsky’s close friend and fellow photographer Boris Savelev
* Image created in the same year as the important “The Four” exhibition in Šiauliai

The photograph is offered unframed.

Condition: Very good overall condition. Minor age-related toning and small traces of handling or storage may be visible, particularly around the margins. Please carefully examine all supplied photographs, including detailed photographs of the surface, edges and handwritten annotations on the reverse, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

The photograph will be carefully and securely packed for shipment.

Artist: Vyacheslav Tarnovetsky (1945–2002)
Title: Two with Shields
Image date: 1978
Print date: 2009
Medium: Black-and-white photographic print
Edition: 1/20
Printing: Posthumous print from the artist’s original negative
Printing attribution: Rodion and Boris Savelev, according to the handwritten annotation verso
Signature: Signed on the reverse by Boris Savelev
Framing: Unframed