In the Name of Craft
Date:
2023Location:
Moscow, Russian Museum of Decorative ArtsProject team:
Curator: Nina GomiashviliProject Architects: Alexandra Razina, Sergey Meshalkin
Construction: Art-Project LLC
Equipment: ALEDO
Photographer: Vasily Bulanov
The exhibition showcases the artistic craft as a unique phenomenon of Russian culture and a living heritage for a wide audience.
It brings together the finest examples of decorative and applied arts from the 1920s to the 1980s, representing various regions of Russia—from the Russian North to the Far East.
“In the Name of Craft” is the flagship project of the Russian Museum of Decorative Arts.
The exposition presents craftsmanship as an elemental force: five interactions of natural forces, embodying the five fundamental parameters of the universe.
These elements find their reflection through the architecture of the halls:
RED HALL
FIRE / BONE, WATER / GLASS
YELLOW HALL
WOOD / METAL
GOLDEN HALL
EARTH / CERAMICS / TEXTILE / OCHRE
“The Crafts” immerse the viewer in a multitude of legends that have never been shown together before.
It is a competition of the strongest, the beauty and splendor of equals.
We approached each hall as a distinct project, developing individual solutions for each showcase. The meticulous handling of brightness and color temperatures allowed us to reveal the unique, unparalleled character of each hall.
When working with light, we were guided by the conceptual structure of each hall. The crafts vividly illustrate the characteristics and traditions of Russian culture, reflecting the unity of every corner of the country through art.
On the other hand, they reveal the specifics of each location and ethnicity, emphasizing its uniqueness and distinctiveness.
By utilizing central elements as focal points, the narrative achieves integrity and visual hierarchy.
In the first, ‘wooden’ hall, the key showcase – a handwoven tablecloth – was infused with an internal radiant glow, contrasting with the soft, warm light in its surroundings.