'Letter from Moon' exhibition unveiled at Nanshan gallery

Moscow-based Russian master artist Leonid Tishkov, renowned among art enthusiasts for his light installation resembling a crescent moon, is now bringing his lunar creations to Shenzhen.

The Shenzhen leg of Tishkov’s “Letter from the Moon” world tour will open at the Art Gallery of China Resources Tower in Nanshan District tomorrow. The exhibition features over 120 artworks spanning his four-decade art career, including his iconic “Private Moon” installation.

A moon-themed installation created by Russian master artist Leonid Tishkov. File photo

Inspired by romantic thoughts and fantasies, the “Private Moon” installation is often described as a visual poem that tells the story of a man who meets the moon and stays with her for life. Over the past 22 years after its creation, Tishkov has exhibited this crescent moon light project in 31 countries and regions, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand over the past 22 years, illuminating galleries around the world.

Recognized as one of Russia’s greatest contemporary artists, Tishkov began his art career in 1979 after leaving the medical field. His diverse artistic portfolio consists of installations, sculptures, paintings, video, photography, works on paper and books.

A moon-themed installation at the exhibition. Chang Zhipeng

Alongside “Private Moon,” the exhibition will showcase many other works that have accompanied Tishkov on his global tour, such as “Hexagram,” a work said to pay tribute to French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s fairy tale “The Little Prince.” Several pieces in the Shenzhen exhibition are part of the permanent collections at world-renowned art institutions like New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the National Center for Contemporary Arts Russia and Italy’s Luigi Pecci Contemporary Art Center.

Moon-themed installations are exhibited. Chang Zhipeng

More than 10 new creations will also make their debut at the Shenzhen show. The exhibition spans 2,000 square meters, featuring paintings, photography, interactive and immersive light installations that transform the space into a romantic cosmic galaxy, offering visitors a rich and diverse visual experience.

Notably, the exhibition will feature the melody of “Moon River” by Taiwan folk musician He Defu, creating an immersive audiovisual experience for visitors.

During the two-month exhibition, a variety of cross-disciplinary activities will be hosted to engage visitors, including masquerade balls, photography tours, and maker workshops.

A view of the artistic installation at the exhibition. Chang Zhipeng

Dates: April 30 to June 29

Venue: B1, China Resources Tower, Nanshan District (中国华润大厦B1层)

Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit L