Russian artworks are stuck in Seoul after exhibition due to flight sanctions

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Pelumi Emmanuel

Published: April 18, 2022 | 9:23 AM GMT

Dozens of paintings by renowned Russian artists including Wassily Kandinsky are stuck in Seoul after an exhibition due to flight sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, organisers said on Monday.

The paintings by around 50 Russian artists – including Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Alexander Rodchenko, among others – have been on display in central Seoul at the Sejong Museum of Art since December.

But following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Western countries including the United States and the EU have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Moscow.

The Seoul exhibition wrapped up on Sunday, but the paintings are stuck in the South Korean capital as all available flight options have been shut down by the sanctions on Moscow, an organiser told AFP.

A woman walks past a billboard for an exhibition of paintings by renowned Russian artists including Wassily Kandinsky, that are stuck after an exhibition due to flight sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, at the Sejong Museum of Art in Seoul on 18 April 2022. Image: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

RUSSIAN ARTWORKS COULD RETURN IN A ‘NON-AIRWAY WAY’

The artworks were loaned by four Russian institutions for the exhibition, according to Seoul organisers, including the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum and the Yekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts.

“The works are being prepared to be returned, but flights are currently blocked due to the war in Ukraine,” organisers told AFP.

“Although nothing has been confirmed yet, the Russian side is seeking a way to receive them in a non-airway way.”

VINTAGE RUSSIAN ARTWORKS STUCK IN SEOUL

The paintings include Improvisation 4 (1909) by Kandinsky and Suprematism (1915-16) by Malevich, as well as Jewish Venus (1912) by Mikhail Larionov.

Pedestrians walk past a billboard for an exhibition of paintings by renowned Russian artists including Wassily Kandinsky, that are stuck after an exhibition due to flight sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, at the Sejong Museum of Art in Seoul on 18 April 2022. Image: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

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About Pelumi Emmanuel

Pelumi Emmanuel is an accomplished writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a passionate and dedicated professional who is committed to producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and entertains readers. Pelumi’s love for reading and writing is evident in his work, which has been read worldwide and has garnered him a loyal following. His journalistic expertise is matched only by his natural talent for storytelling, making his articles both informative and engaging. He lives in California, USA.