Arthur T. Kalaher Presents Nahum Tschacbasov Retrospective

Southampton art dealer Arthur T. Kalaher (of Arthur T. Kalaher Fine Arts) presented a fascinating survey of the works of Russian-born and one time East Hampton resident painter and poet, Nahum Tschacbasov at the National Arts Club covering his work from the 1930s until his death in 1984. This is the first important survey of Tschacbasov‘s works in almost three decades. The exhibition which runs until June 16 is presented in conjunction with the 11th Annual Russian Heritage month sponsored by the Russian American Foundation in cooperation with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the New York Post.

A major figure on New York’s art scene in the 1930s through the 1950s, Tschacbasov’s works are in the collections of such prominent museums as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Hirshorn in Washington. Many of the works which have long been held by his step-son Leonard Barton, former owner of Bravura Gallery in Southampton, have never been shown publicly. Barton assisted Kalaher in assembling the works for this very special exhibition.

Tschacbasov’s paintings of the 1930s, many on display at the National Arts Club, reflect the social and political preoccupations of the times. He received considerable critical attention for his powerful dramatic satirical depiction of social injustice.

His career, spanning more than five decades is a kaleidoscope of influences, from modernism to the Byzantine style and expressionism of his Russian roots.

A number of his East End fans turned out for the opening including Southampton’s Christopher Arnold, Rome Arnold and Elyn and Jeffrey Kronemeyer.