7 Books on Art and Design from the Piotrovsky Fair

Contents:

• "Fertile Land"
• "Escape Labor: Narratives of Contemporary Art"
  
• "Pink: A Journey Through the History of Color"
  
• "Memories"
• "The Contemporary Art Market: A Platform for Creative Experimentation"
  
• "The Bayach of the Future"
• "Surrealist Currents in the Era of Bolshevism"
  

On September 20, the first Piotrovsky Bookstore Fair was held at the Moscow branch of the Yeltsin Center on Malaya Nikitskaya Street. In the cozy courtyard of the Dolgorukov-Bobrinsky estate, guests were able to purchase books at publisher prices while enjoying the last warm rays of the sun. However, all the books presented can also be purchased in the store itself, so that later, like winter rolls, you can take them out and enjoy reading them in the cold season.

«Fertile Land»

Ad Marginem

"The Fertile Land" is a mysterious region depicted in the paintings of Paul Klee and explored in an essay of the same name by the eminent French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, who draws parallels between art and music in the avant-garde movement.

Klee, the son of a musician and a vocalist, drew on musical concepts when confronted with the challenges of painting. His works feature images of conductors and performers, as well as fictional instruments. He actively used musical terms in his lectures and painting titles. This essay represents the transformation of rigorous theory into a free flow of ideas.

"Escape Labor: Narratives of Contemporary Art"

Garage Museum

The collection "Just Not to Work" is a witty gallery of portraits of contemporary artists and cultural figures. Its author is Italian-Swiss curator Andrea Bellini, who is the director of the Center for Contemporary Art and artistic director of the Geneva Biennale of Moving Images.

In his descriptions of vernissages, dinner parties, exclusive parties, and late-night outings, he creates vivid images: a curator who has failed to realize himself as an artist, an art fair director striving to create an international brand and willing to take risks to achieve this, and a wealthy collector relaxing in his palazzo among the court masters. This collection is sharp, but at the same time has its own kindness.

"Pink: A Journey Through the History of Color"

Modern Literary Review

The series about flowers, published by "NLO", continues to attract attention. Although pink is a color found in nature, it was virtually invisible in European cultural traditions until the 14th century, and was not widely used in painting, fashion, or everyday life.

Changes began only with the introduction of imported dye obtained from the pernambuco tree, as well as the development of floristry, which in the 18th century made it possible to develop true pink varieties and associate the color with the name of the flower.

Michel Pastoureau analyzes how pink became an element of fashion, botany, heraldry, and religious symbolism, and how its perception has transformed from medieval associations with masculinity to its modern personification associated with the image of Barbie.

"Memories"

Libra

Balthus perceives Picasso, Derain, and Artaud as a close acquaintance and ironic observer. He shares his thoughts on his works, as well as on his Japanese wife Setsuko and daughter Harumi, not forgetting to mention his love of cats. He also harshly criticizes contemporary art—these memoirs are more captivating than any fictional plot.

"The Contemporary Art Market: A Platform for Creative Experimentation"

HSE Publishing House

The art sphere continues to be one of the most discussed areas of cultural activity, since it is unclear what exactly influences the value of various art objects. Anna Arutyunova examines the structure of this market and its internal contradictions, pointing out that the trading mechanism in this area does not function in the most efficient manner. Rather, it is a complex cocktail that incorporates elements of economics, philosophy, sociology, and practical art. In his book, the author seeks to identify the main components of this unique recipe.

"Bayach of the Future"

European University Publishing House.

"Surrealist Currents in the Era of Bolshevism"

Garage Museum

In the publication entitled "Surrealism in the Land of the Bolsheviks," the authors examine the interaction between avant-garde art and culture of the Soviet period. The study is based on an exhibition of the same name held at the Avant-Garde Center and the Shabolovke Gallery in 2017. Organized by Nadezhda Plungyan and Alexandra Selivanova, the event marked the 90th anniversary of the OBERIU group, which is often compared to the Surrealists.

It turns out that the distinctions between Surrealism and Socialist Realism were rather vague, and mysticism, philosophical ideas, and the creation of museums coexisted harmoniously.

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Read also:

• Tadao Ando, ​​a Japanese architect known for his unique approach to design and mastery of concrete, has created many impressive projects. Here are five of his most significant works:

  1. Church of the Light – Located in Osaka, this temple has become a symbol of architectural minimalism. Ando used simple geometric forms and natural light to create an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

  2. Water Temple – Located on Naoshima Island, this museum showcases the incredible interaction between architecture and nature. Underwater elements and the use of water in the design allow visitors to experience harmony with the environment.

  3. The Row House – This project in Osaka has become an example of how to effectively use limited space. Ando created a cozy home with open areas and plenty of light, which make it comfortable to live in.

  4. Benesse House, a combination hotel and museum, features unique architecture that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Ando used natural materials and large windows to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. 5. Church of Water – Located on Naoshima Island, this church is striking in its simplicity and depth. The interior space is tranquil thanks to the reflections of the water and minimalist decor, creating an atmosphere for reflection and meditation. Each of these projects exemplifies Ando's philosophy of respect for nature and attention to detail, making his work truly unique. Unfortunately, I cannot provide the text from the book "Chromorama". However, I can help with creating an analysis or summary if you require it. A robe decorated with an image of a dragon. An excerpt from the work "Poems and Things."

• 8 events for creative people: what to visit in Moscow, Chernogolovka, and Ivanovo
• Cultural context: six significant events in the first half of October.

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