On April 26, the Odessa Museum of Personal Collections named after O.V. Bleschunov will unveil an exhibition titled «Restoration-Inspiration» featuring the talented artist-restorer Inna Rusina. The exhibition will showcase the multifaceted talent of the artist, who combines expertise in art restoration with a unique artistic vision.

This was announced by the Odessa Museum of Personal Collections named after O.V. Bleschunov.

Inna Arkadievna Rusina was instrumental in the establishment of the Odessa branch of the National Scientific and Research Restoration Center of Ukraine and has been working there since 1987. For her significant contribution to the development of this vital center for the country, she was awarded the Order of Princess Olga of the third degree in 2008.

The artist has participated in exhibitions since 1979 and has been a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine since 1990. Inna Rusina is a participant in international, national, and regional art exhibitions. Her works are preserved in the Odessa National Art Museum, the Odessa Museum of Local Lore, the Kirovohrad Regional Council Museum of Arts, the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Local Lore Museum, and in private collections and galleries across many countries.

The exhibition will be presented in two halls:

Hall «Restoration»

The exhibit includes six works from the museum's collection that have undergone restoration from 1992 to 2023 under the guidance of Inna Rusina. Each piece is accompanied by stands with photographs and annotations detailing the condition of the work prior to restoration, the stages of the process, and the final result.

Today, under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, the role of restoration centers gains particular significance. Inna Rusina emphasizes that, in addition to planned work, specialists are engaged in surveying museum collections, evacuating, and preserving works of art.

Exhibits must be carefully and properly packed to be stored in an appropriate microclimate, — she stresses.

According to her, unlike in past decades, today the field employs highly qualified personnel.

Restorers from Kharkiv have been collaborating with our center for over ten years. Previously, I conducted internships for many artists who aspired to become restorers. However, artists cannot always be restorers, while restorers can be artists, — Rusina adds with a smile.

Hall «Inspiration»

This part of the exhibition allows visitors to familiarize themselves with the picturesque works of Inna Rusina.

Fifteen works in the genres of still life, portrait, and landscape reflect her unique style, developed over the years of her artistic career.

The artist confesses that she was particularly influenced by Sandro Botticelli, whose works she has seen twice at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Paintings must be experienced in person; the impression they leave cannot be conveyed in words, — shares Inna Rusina.