Pictures at an exhibition — Liz Hernández

Baba Yaga’s Hut
Clay slip and vinyl paint on paper, 22” x 26”

Tuileries
Clay slip and vinyl paint on paper, 22” x 26”

The Catacombs
Clay slip and vinyl paint on paper, 22” x 26”

The Old Castle
Clay slip and vinyl paint on paper, 22” x 26”

Baba Yaga's Hut, San Francisco Symphony
Photo: Brittany Hosea-Small

Commission for the San Francisco Symphony

Paired with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
November, 2023
San Francisco, California

Pictures at an Exhibition, composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874, is a renowned musical masterpiece. Originally a piano suite, it has achieved widespread acclaim. Mussorgsky drew inspiration from the artworks of his late friend Viktor Hartmann, using each movement to convey diverse moods. Most of the pieces were sketches, watercolors, or conceptual designs, some of which were eventually lost.

In a contemporary twist, the San Francisco Symphony commissioned artists Liz Hernández and Fernando Escartíz to create new works in response to Mussorgsky's music and Hartmann’s art for a series of special concerts. This unique performance takes listeners on a sonic tour of an imaginary art exhibition, seamlessly transitioning between sections. The innovative exploration of the intersection of visual art and music not only breathes new life into Mussorgsky's iconic work but also highlights its enduring influence across the musical and visual arts.