PRO Zavod: Industrial Photography

   PRO Zavod – is an exhibition that gives those who are interested in Russian history an exceptional opportunity to follow the path of the transformation experienced by the image of a factory through the time, starting from the early 1920s. The exhibition represents not only photographer’s perspective on the metamorphosis of the industrial world through the decades under the influence of political, economical and social processes, but it also follows the changes that had happened in people’s lives, who were integrated or somehow related to this world. 

                                                  Yakov Khalip. Leningrad factory. 1950s

   It was extremely interesting to become for a few hours a witness of those changes through looking at photographs, magazine excerpts and to compare with the vision I had already had of the key events that took place in 20th century such as World War II or the collapse of the USSR. 

                                                          Ogoniok magazine #18, April 1950

     Moreover, I was able to discover some facts about factories that I was not already aware of. For instance, I found out that in 1980 the Novokuznetsk Iron and Steel Plant had its own creative team of photographers called TRIVA. Unlike full-time photojournalists, they had a unique opportunity to join the team and follow the life of a brigade of KMC. Despite the fact that their group lasted less than a year, they made a great and fruitfull contribution to the industrial photography.

                                                                                              Novokuznetsk Iron and Steel Plant, 1980

                                                                                              TRIVA photographers

Novokuznetsk Iron and Steel Plant, 1980

TRIVA photographers 

    

Although the most significant part of the exhibition consists of industrial photos of 20th century, there are also some audio and video materials, publications of Russian and foreign magazines and installation by S.Ponomarev called ‘Ruins of the Future’. It is important to recognize, that through exhibition shows not only the transformation of the industrial world, but also the evolution of photography itself. Therefore, I definitely do recommend to visit this exhibition. Especially if you are into history or photography.

                                                   Mikhail Rosanov

                                                   From series Industry, 2006

Lusine Arakelyan, level 5

Standing at the crossroad in the limelight

The glass pyramid in Paris, is inserted in space, so that it does not cover the facade of the palace. It is just below the Louvre, besides elements of the building are visible through the glass.The large glass pyramid was built by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1989 and the lighting project was developed by American designer Claude Engle. 

Great Expectations

A new project title "Great Expectations" was established in support of contemporary art by Manage Museum and Exhibition Association, Triumph Gallery and MediaArtLab Center for Art and Culture in December 2013. Over the past year solo exhibitions by young Russian media artists have been presented monthly at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall. For the artists it was a unique opportunity to present a solo show to a wide audience while retaining freedom of an artistic experiment.

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour original project

Not all of the muscovites know but The Gorky Park conduct guide tours in its territory which are quite fascinating but surprisinly unpopular.

Recently I took a tour to Vorobievy Gory. A young boy – a student of MSU faculty of History – told a lot interesting facts about that area from the ancient time. I was intrigued by his stories of the Andreevskiy Monastery, Metro bridge, abandoned and plundered escalators from Kosygina street down to the river bank and many-many others.

But the greatest story was about the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour very first project which was never built. This one I want to share with you.

Secondhand by Archpole

Continuing the theme of artistic duets, I would like to highlight the architectural bureau Archpole, as representatives of contemporary Russian art scene. This bureau founded by Anna Sazhinov and Konstantin Lagutin. 

Kover-Version

The exhibition in Manezh called "Kover version. Mark Patlis Collection "is entirely based on the private collection of Mark Patlis, collector of paintings and antique carpets. Mark Patlis - a recognized expert in the field of antique carpets and tapestries.

Unrivalled Wedgwood

Unrivalled Wedgwood is the first large-scale exhibition of the masterpieces manufactured by the legendary British company. National Museums of Liverpool has generously lent rare pieces of jasperware pottery, unique enamel paintings on ceramic plaques by the painter George Stubbs, one of the most perfect Wedgwood reproductions of the antique Portland Vase, pieces of English jewelry, furniture, and costumes. Another precious adornment of the exhibition is “The Portrait of the Duchess of Cumberland” by Thomas Gainsborough.

Place for stealing ideas

In the Pushkin Museum of Fine, opened exhibition "Visiting Rodchenko and Stepanova", dedicated to the V. F. Stepanova‘s 120th anniversary.

Fairytale atmosphere by Russians

     New Year - a great holiday for all people in Moscow. During the holidays there are a lot of different events. The entire city center turns into a big fair with huge number of different activities. There are small fairs, festivals and exhibitions in the beginning of the year.  Many artists have participated in these fairs this year. Various installations are placed through the small streets and lanes of the city center.

The project "Svoboda dustupa".

«Svoboda dostupa» is a project which was set up in 2006 to make the information about Russian architecture available for current architects and people who are interested in Russian history.