An exhibition of book illustrations and author puppets by Olga Popugaeva and Dmitry Nepomnyashchy opened at the Children's Library of History and Culture in St Petersburg.

The exhibition features works from Jan Brzehwa's trilogy of books on the adventures of Mr Smudge, the world-famous scientist, inventor and magician.

The trilogy: "Pan Kleaksa's Academy", "Pan Kleaksa's Journey", "Pan Kleaksa's Triumph" illustrated by Olga Popugaeva and Dmitry Nepomnyashchy. The books describe the adventures of funny and ridiculous characters in a world that is equally absurd, fantasy and kind.

The creative, family union of St Petersburg artists has been going on for 30 years. During this time, illustrations have been created for works of classical literature, poetry and books by contemporary authors. Among them: fairy tales by Charles Perrault, Andersen, Pushkin, James Barry, Alexei Tolstoy, Jan Brzehva and many other authors. Dmitry invents and details the characters in the graphics. Olga brings the images to perfection, using brush and watercolour to make them vivid, full of life.

Each book is a new stage in life, depicted in fairy tales: funny and sad, but always inspiring courage, bravery, overcoming oneself and searching for goodness and light.

"An artist should paint beautifully!" - One of the young admirers of Olga and Dmitry's talent commented.

This idea is confirmed not only in the author's drawings, but also in the artistic author's puppets to which Olga gives all her free time.

It seems as if the dolls traverse the space of a sheet of paper, taking on a body and a soul, telling their own life story. This story is special: feminine, mysterious, full of mysticism, magic and inner freedom.

Olga Popugaeva's dolls are not only a metaphorical reflection of the author herself, but also an independent entity woven from myths, dreams, ghosts and symbols of our city.

Everyone who visits the exhibition will find something of their own, personal but also close to the history and culture of St Petersburg.

Olga and Dmitri continue the tradition of nurturing beauty established by our great countrymen, artists and illustrators. Their work has a distinctive St Petersburg style, which is noted by collectors and art connoisseurs.

We look forward to meeting more great people and talented artists - Olga Popugaeva and Dmitry Nepomnyashchiy.

Thank you for the opportunity to join the best examples of book illustration and the art of author's art dolls: Tatiana Stepicheva, Head of the Children's Library of History and Culture of St. Petersburg - Branch 2 of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution "Pushkin Central State Children's Library"; Mira L. Vasyukova, leading librarian, curator of the exhibition.

The exhibition can be visited until 24 April 2022 at

г. St. Petersburg, 72 Marata St., lit. A. Children's Library of History and Culture of St. Petersburg - Branch No. 2 of the Central State Budget Library named after A. Pushkin.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

Material and photos have been provided: Olga Popugaeva and Dmitriy Nepomnyashchiy.