New Valery Katsuba Photography Exhibition Debuts at Colección del Museo Ruso Málaga
The Colección del Museo Ruso in Málaga has introduced the second phase of its exhibition project dedicated to Madrid-based Belarusian photographer Valery Katsuba. Titled "Romantic Realism II (2000–2026)," this new chapter offers visitors an immersive journey structured around three major thematic pillars: travel, emotional bonds, and the physical endurance of the human body.
Co-curated by Sebastià Mascaró and the artist himself, the exhibition brings together a selected compilation of works created over more than two decades. The project serves as a poetic cartography where physical effort, personal connections, and geographical journeys are deeply intertwined.
Exploring the Themes of "Romantic Realism II" in Málaga
The exhibition is divided into distinct thematic sections that guide visitors through Katsuba's artistic evolution and geographic inspirations:
Romantic Realism in Cuba
One of the key sections of the exhibition is "Romantic Realism. Cuba," a project captured in Havana. This series marks its Spanish debut at the Colección del Museo Ruso after premiering at the Havana Biennial. It explores the relationship between classicism and contemporary life, integrating Havana's historic architecture and warm Caribbean light with the dynamic movement of dancers, athletes, and circus performers.
The Physicality of the Body
Visitors can also experience a global first with "In the air: workers and gymnasts (2010–2026)." This world-premiere series draws a visual parallel between manual laborers and gymnasts. The images capture these subjects in moments of tension, suspension, and balance, highlighting the shared human experience of physical effort, fatigue, and grace across different walks of life.
Friends and Memory
The exhibition also looks inward with "The Four Seasons. My Friends (2000–2019)." This highly personal series documents Katsuba’s close circles and quiet landscapes from his own memory. Curated to mirror the natural cycle of the seasons—ranging from the warmth of initial meetings to the quiet reflection of memory—it occasionally features Katsuba himself within the frame.
About the Artist: Valery Katsuba
Valery Katsuba was born in Belarus in 1965. Before dedicating himself to photography in the mid-1990s, he pursued studies in meteorology and maritime navigation in St. Petersburg. Over the years, his photographic work has gained international acclaim, finding places in prominent institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Shanghai Center of Photography, and Spain's Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
If you are planning a cultural itinerary in the area, you can discover more artistic highlights with Musemap (musemap.art). See what else is currently happening by checking what's on in Málaga, or explore other local landmarks and museums in the city to make the most of your visit.
