Surenyants and Saryan in Netherlands exhibition

For the first time ever Groningen Museum, one of the Netherlands' best museums which was recently re-opened after renovation, will exhibit the works of artists from former Soviet states whose paintings relate to the East.

Titled "Russia and Orientalism" the exhibition includes also works by Armenian artists – eight from Martiros Saryan House-Museum and five from Armenia's National Gallery, including works by Vardges Surenyants, Vasili Polenov, Grigor Sharbabchyan and a work by a 19th century unknown artist.

Organizers say the aesthetics of Martiros Saryan's works – unique and closer to the principles of European art – may be a genuine revelation for art lovers in the Netherlands and Europe.

The exhibition will be open till May 8, 2011.