A contemporary art exhibition at the Volgograd river port has been closed. Posters about the city's history will replace it.
The contemporary art exhibition, titled "What's the Power," ran for less than a year. Works by 28 artists from across Russia adorned the spiral staircase leading to the observation deck. Among them were paintings, sculptures, collages, ceramics, and video installations.
On information According to the publication "Volgograd News", the premises where the exhibition was held are owned by an oligarch Alexander MalashkinHis main business is in the production of construction materials. Since the war began, he has risen from 16th to second place in the local billionaire rankings and is currently recruiting staff to restore a construction materials plant in the LPR.
The contemporary art exhibition opened last year at Malashkin's request, wanting to create something for young people. However, he's now decided to change the concept: starting August 17, the spiral staircase will be adorned with 67 posters depicting the history of Volgograd and its "most interesting places."
«The idea is to show how the city has been transformed and to attract young people here.“,” explained one of the authors of the new project.
The contemporary art exhibition is expected to be relocated to the Ikra creative space, which also operates in the river port building.
«Our goal was to popularize contemporary art in Volgograd. And for this purpose, we chose Volgograd's main artery—the river port.», - рассказал One of the exhibition's creators told journalists. He recalled that more than three thousand people attended its opening, and that some of the compositions were updated each season.
Urban explorer Lilia Bolotnikova, who conducted art mediations here, was saddened by the news of the exhibition's closure.
«I'm sad that a contemporary art gallery hasn't taken root in Volgograd yet again. I'd like to see this format in the city. It offers more freedom and room for experimentation. It offers more innovative solutions than a traditional museum, which operates with a more academic approach."," she told reporters.
Photo: V1.RU