NEWS
By
Shea Penning
sheapenning@ou.edu
Date
NORMAN, OKLA. – The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma will open Nicolai Fechin: An Artistic Journey on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. The exhibition explores the life and work of a Russian artist best known for his colorful portraits of New Mexico, while also highlighting the broader range of subjects and cultures he encountered throughout a lifetime of travel and reflection. Fechin’s search for health, patronage, and artistic inspiration led him from Russia to New York, New Mexico, Southern California, and beyond.
This exhibition, comprised of more than fifty drawings and paintings spanning the entirety of his career, examines how family, friends, training, and travel shaped the artist. Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, the Eugene B. Adkins Collection at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, and a private Oklahoma collection, many of the works will be on public view for the first time.
“Fechin’s work tells a story of continual movement, discovery, and cultural connection,” said Thomas Smith, Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “His portraits remain as vibrant and captivating today as when they were first created.”
While visiting the exhibition, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences in the gallery, including a space to create their own portraits. Details on additional programs and events will be available on the museum’s website at fjjma.ou.edu.
Nicolai Fechin: An Artistic Journey will be on view Oct. 3, 2025, through April 5, 2026.
This exhibition is organized by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and supported by generous donors to the museum’s endowment.
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in the OU Arts District on the corner of Elm Avenue and Boyd Street, at 555 Elm Ave., on the OU Norman campus. For more information about this exhibition or visitor accommodations, call (405) 325-4938 or visit fjjma.ou.edu.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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