FUTURE LAB. KINETIC ART IN RUSSIA

January 26 — May 10, 2021
In collaboration with Manege Central Exhibition Hall the State Tretyakov Gallery

Kinetic Art in Russia. It is dedicated to kineticism, one of the most significant movements in modern art.

In collaboration with Manege Central Exhibition Hall the State Tretyakov Gallery presents a major exhibition entitled Future Lab. Kinetic Art in Russia. It is dedicated to kineticism, one of the most significant movements in modern art. The exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a vast panorama detailing the development of kineticism in Russia in the 1960s-70s and its links to both the avant-garde experimentalism of the beginning of the 20th century, and artistic practices today.

The theme of transformation lies at the heart of kinetic art, both as an artistic form, and in the very process of perception. Mobility, mutability and volatility are the hallmarks of dynamic compositions, which transform through mechanics or visual effects. Kineticism was a post-war phenomenon which emerged simultaneously in several regions across the world. Much of its focus was on the rehabilitation of technological progress and the rise of the information society.

"Wave in the Gray Magnetic Field"
1961

In collaboration with Manege Central Exhibition Hall the State Tretyakov Gallery presents a major exhibition entitled Future Lab. Kinetic Art in Russia. It is dedicated to kineticism, one of the most significant movements in modern art. The exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a vast panorama detailing the development of kineticism in Russia in the 1960s-70s and its links to both the avant-garde experimentalism of the beginning of the 20th century, and artistic practices today.

The theme of transformation lies at the heart of kinetic art, both as an artistic form, and in the very process of perception. Mobility, mutability and volatility are the hallmarks of dynamic compositions, which transform through mechanics or visual effects. Kineticism was a post-war phenomenon which emerged simultaneously in several regions across the world. Much of its focus was on the rehabilitation of technological progress and the rise of the information society.

Much like their scientific avant-garde peers, the kineticists invented visual data transmission systems, conducted research in the field of visual thinking, and experimented with the latest technologies and materials. Themes such as the polysensory nature of perception, the algorithmisation of the creative process, procedure, interactivity, and virtuality all defined the artistic agenda of the period.

The artists not only sought out new ways by which to embody their concepts, but also expanded their reach to fields such as design, architecture, urban planning, and shaping the surrounding environment.

Consequently, kineticism is more than just a page in the history of art — it was a laboratory for artists to create alternate versions of reality, as well as of the future which we inhabit today. A great deal of what was once viewed as an artistic experiment is now part and parcel of our everyday lives.

"Composition"
1967

Much like their scientific avant-garde peers, the kineticists invented visual data transmission systems, conducted research in the field of visual thinking, and experimented with the latest technologies and materials. Themes such as the polysensory nature of perception, the algorithmisation of the creative process, procedure, interactivity, and virtuality all defined the artistic agenda of the period.

The artists not only sought out new ways by which to embody their concepts, but also expanded their reach to fields such as design, architecture, urban planning, and shaping the surrounding environment.

Consequently, kineticism is more than just a page in the history of art — it was a laboratory for artists to create alternate versions of reality, as well as of the future which we inhabit today. A great deal of what was once viewed as an artistic experiment is now part and parcel of our everyday lives.

The project at the State Tretyakov Gallery will feature works by famous kinetic artists who set the scene for kinetic art in the 60s and 70s. It will also feature these artists' predecessors, major artists of the early 20th century Russian avant-garde, as well as modern artists. The exhibition is comprised of four sections: Vision Lab, Art Metrics Lab, Environment Lab and Synesthesia Lab.

The exhibition will include a variety of forms and genres that constitute kinetic art: mobiles, self-stressed structures, transforming sculptures, optical paintings, graphics, collage, photography, video projects, sound and light installations, and interactive objects — about 400 exhibits in total.

Сurator: Yulia Aksenova
Сo-curators: Anna Koleichuk, Andrey Smirnov

"NTTM" Design for Scientific and Technical Creativity of Youth of the USSR
1974

The project at the State Tretyakov Gallery will feature works by famous kinetic artists who set the scene for kinetic art in the 60s and 70s. It will also feature these artists' predecessors, major artists of the early 20th century Russian avant-garde, as well as modern artists. The exhibition is comprised of four sections: Vision Lab, Art Metrics Lab, Environment Lab and Synesthesia Lab.

The exhibition will include a variety of forms and genres that constitute kinetic art: mobiles, self-stressed structures, transforming sculptures, optical paintings, graphics, collage, photography, video projects, sound and light installations, and interactive objects — about 400 exhibits in total.

Сurator: Yulia Aksenova
Сo-curators: Anna Koleichuk, Andrey Smirnov