Georgia Southern University and the Statesboro community have gained a new resident, renowned artist Sergei Tsvetkov has made his art exhibition a comfortable home in the Center for Art and Theatre.

“Sergei Tsvetkov is a master painter, master printer and a master craftsman,” Marc Mitchell, gallery curator and assistant professor, said. “We have been planning this exhibition since last fall. We are very lucky to have him. It is rare opportunity to work with an artist of this caliber.”

Tsvetkov’s work has been featured in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New Mexico, Georgia and many other places throughout the United States. Internationally, Tsvetkov pieces have been featured in London, Belgium, Sweden and multiple cities in Canada. Tsvetkov has been internationally honored with awards such as the Gold Prize, Purchase Award, Distinguished Artist and Fulbright Scholarship.

Tsvetkov was born in the former Soviet Union and now lives in the United States.  He spent years studying history and culture, and as an adult he traveled and taught throughout Europe.

“Tsvetkov has always been very interested in different cultures and the similarities between cultures. You can see references to culture in his work, not just art but also architecture and mythology,” Mitchell said.

Intaglio prints are some of Tsvetkov most distinguished art pieces and some are featured in the gallery. Intaglio prints’ are created through a complex process by which the artist etches an image into metal plate, puts ink onto the surface of the plate, removes the ink, then places the plate on paper and compresses it so the ink still in the grooves will reveal a work of art.

The exhibitions also feature Tsvetkov’s etchings and pulp paintings.

Copies cannot be made using intaglio printing process, however, a number of art pieces can be planned making plates. These are called additions.

“Tsvetkov has made some additions just for his exhibition here at Georgia Southern Art Department,” Mitchell said.

“It’s important for students to see the exhibition because it influences different programs on campus. Someone studying Russian or Western European culture will see the references within Tsvetkov’s work. It has a strong interdisciplinary appeal,” Mitchell said.

“On Thursday, Feb. 9, we will be having Artist Talk,” Mitchell said.

For Artist Talk, Sergei Tsvetkov will visit GSU’s campus to talk to students and other visitors about his artwork. Artist Talk will be held in the Center for Art and Theatre and will follow a light reception including refreshments. Artist Talk starts at 5 p.m. and is free to the public.

The exhibition will be open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will at GSU until Feb. 26.