Important Russian Paintings Donated To The Wende Museum

The two oil paintings, The Asylum, 1982 by Stanislav Molodykh (born 1942) and At the Station (1950) by Ilya Abelevich Lukomsky (1906-1954), are major additions to The Wende Museum's collection of official and unofficial artwork from Cold War-era Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Molodykh's unusual subject matter recalls a difficult time in his life when he entered a psychiatric hospital. Lukomsky, a famous graduate of the Moscow Surikov Institute, was a member of the Union of Artists in Russia. He was known for his group portraits and depictions of people in real-life situations.

"This strategic gift will further strengthen the collection," said Executive Director Dr. Justinian Jampol, "It is a wonderful addition to the Museum's holdings as we prepare to move to our new home in the former National Guard Armory in downtown Culver City."

This generous gift exemplifies the leadership role the Levys have taken on the various boards on which they serve, past and present. They were founders of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Abby is a past Trustee of LACMA, former President of the American Art Council, past President of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Women's Guild, and immediate past Chairman of the Board of Tower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF), where the Levys currently serve on the board together. Alan also served as President of the American Art Council at LACMA and is Trustee Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art. He serves on the Boards of Harvard-Westlake School, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Board of Governors, Boy Scouts of America, USC School of Social Work and as honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria for Southern California. The Levys are long time collectors of American art of the late 19^th and early 20^th century focusing on artists from the Ash Can School, in addition to their collection of Russian impressionist and social realist art. 

Alan and Abby state, "We are excited to be part of The Wende Museum, an innovative new cultural institution that will bring a unique and impactful era to light in our community."

The paintings were presented during a special Salon at The Wende Museum on Sunday, July 24^th.

The Wende Museum was founded in 2002 with a mission to preserve the art, culture, and history from the Soviet Bloc countries, inspire a broad understanding of the period, and explore its enduring legacy. Currently located at 5741 Buckingham Parkway in Culver City, California, the Museum is open to the public every Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is free.

For more information, call 310-216-1600 or go to www.wendemuseum.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160804/395881

SOURCE The Wende Museum of the Cold War

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