Michael Visin Retrospective

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Credit: Michael Visin

Michael Visin Retrospective 

Immigrating to 1970’s San Francisco from the USSR at a time when people dissenting with the system and people of Jewish heritage like himself were persecuted, Ukrainian-born Michael (Misha) Visin led the life of a true artist. Passing in 2016, Visin traversed genres and styles ranging from Russian Constructivism to wild self-portraits with the flashing colors of a Matisse. However, with an immense and varied body of work, he chose never to exhibit in his lifetime. 

Now, with the everlasting support of his wife of forty-six years (Natalie Marselly, an artist in her own right) and longtime pupil and friend Zina Deretsky, Visin, at long last, has the opportunity to have his work shown.

Opening on the 5th of April at Canessa Gallery in San Francisco’s historic North Beach, Visin’s retrospective has several show dates throughout the month: opening on the 5th from 3 to 7 pm, the 19th for open hours from 1 to 5 pm, and closing on the 26th from 5 pm to 7 pm. The exhibition presents thirty-eight works spanning five decades and two disparate nations, finding its unifying backdrop in San Francisco, the city that defined his greatest period of creation.

The San Francisco artistic community has come together for Visin, with local filmmaker Judy Irving creating a short documentary. Marselly narrates the piece with rosy retrospection and recalls, “Michael admired Cézanne to the fullest degree among his favorite artists.” His body of work clearly displays mastery drawn from deep study and reverence for Cézanne, amongst other greats.

Cannessa, located at 708 Montgomery, is an ideal space for Visin and his mission of making art of a life. The converted printing press, owned by a local but anonymous gallerist referred to as “the bearded architect”, for over 50 years, is quintessential San Francisco. The intimate setting is known for hosting poetry readings and stunning visual art.

Attending the opening is a fantastic opportunity to experience local art. 

Visitors are invited to experience the exhibition at their leisure throughout the day. After enjoying the art, take a moment to drink up the view of the Transamerica building as well as the provided refreshments. Look out on the long corridors of downtown streets, paving this historic neighborhood for Bay Area artists. 

With free admission throughout April, all are encouraged to attend these events. They offer a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into Visin’s profound work through personal conversations with those who knew him intimately.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.