For the first time the exhibition presents the theme of holiday in the
Russian art of the 18th - 20thcenturies so fully and
widely. The exposition includes about 250
paintings, graphic works, the works of the applied and folk art from the
collection of the Russian Museum.
The Christianity and paganism, rural and town culture, spiritual and flesh,
Russian and foreign were combined in the Russian holidays for many centuries.
The exhibition gives the viewer an opportunity to trace the evolution of the
theme of holiday from the beginning of the 18th century when the
state and folk holidays as well as their rites, customs and traditions for the
first time appeared in the creative oeuvre of the Russian artists. The Easter
divine services, religious processions, balls, colourful Carnival festivals and
the other plots are reflected in the paintings and graphic works, in the
articles of the Emperor Porcelain Factory and in the works by folk masters.
The special section of the exposition is devoted to the image of the Soviet
Holidays. In the canvases by I.Brodsky, P.Buchkin, A.Samokhvalov, A.Gerasimov
alongside with the posters and the examples of the applied arts the official
state holidays and memorable dates (May Day, Victory Day, 7 November) are
presented as the imposing action - demonstration, parade, solemn gathering,
labor initiative, or the modest family ritual. Another, everyday or religious
aspect of this theme is revealed in the works by J.Kugach, Z.Arshakuni,
T.Nazarenko and the other artists of the second half of the 20th -
beginning of the 21th century.
The
exhibition is organized with the support of OJSC Mobile TeleSystems, Sistema Finance Investments
