Exhibition in Midrand underscores contribution of art to Russia–South Africa cultural cooperation

An exhibition dedicated to the artistic legacy of Vladimir Tretchikoff, a Russian-born South African artist, has ended in Midrand, highlighting long-standing cultural cooperation between Russia and South Africa. The exhibition featured posters displaying reproductions of the artist’s paintings, including his most renowned works. This is reported by the Diplomatic Society, a partner of TV BRICS.

The exhibition was organised jointly by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It brought together diplomats, academics, artists, representatives of public institutions, and members of the Russian community in South Africa.

In a video address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Aleksander Pankin underlined the relevance of Tretchikoff’s work for contemporary cultural dialogue. He noted that the artist’s legacy reflects ideas of mutual respect and diversity that guide cooperation between the two countries.

As Pankin noted, the principles driving Tretchikoff’s work echo the philosophy of Ubuntu, a concept now guiding South Africa’s G20 Presidency: "I am because we are". He added that at this historic juncture, as South Africa became the first African nation to assume the G20 Presidency, cultural diplomacy took on a new resonance.

Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov emphasised that cultural projects play an important role in strengthening bilateral engagement. He noted that Tretchikoff’s work remains widely recognised across different communities in South Africa, contributing to shared understanding.

Experts claimed that the exhibition served as a meaningful moment in the cultural calendar, offering audiences a fresh opportunity to revisit Tretchikoff’s artistic legacy while strengthening dialogue between Russian and South African cultural institutions. By bringing together experts, diplomats and members of the creative community, the event reinforced a shared commitment to cultural exchange at a time of heightened international engagement.

Photo: AnnaStills / iStock