Aleksandr Kamensky

Aleksandr Abramovich Kamensky [Алекса́ндр Абра́мович Ка́менский] (January 24, 1922 - August 1, 1992) was a Soviet art critic and art historian. In 1954 he wrote an important article attacking the art establishment under Stalin. he argued that artistic merit needed to be valued over ideological correctness. He would go on to write about and champion the works of artists such as Marc Chagall, and Martiros Saryan.

Quotes

• The works create new poetry, which involuntarily rivals with habitual esthetic stereotypes. For instance, we accept as a common notion to worship joyously the classic beauty of St. Petersburg, its harmony and stately grandeur. This exposition does have variations of that sort. But observe “Night Nevsky” by Parygin. Rough to the touch texture, dark abyss. In the darkness urgent lights explode. They bring forth immediate spiritual angst. One does not regard the regal magnificence of the urban landscape-it is neither cast aside, nor left behind the curtains, as dramatism of modern perception takes over. One regards not a city museum for curious crowds, but one beholds the habitat of our days where we seek, love, fight, suffer. That art defines perception.
  • Aleksandr Kamensky Что значит быть современным? Ответ на этот вопрос ищут молодые художники. — Правда, 9 сентября 1988. (Rus)