Apparently, the reluctant summer weather has rubbed off on the local art scene f one of the few gems to be found this week is an exhibit of photographs as gray as the skies were early this week: a collection by photographer and architect Ilya Utkin.
The exhibit, titled "Melancholia," opens Tuesday at the Museum of Architecture and is typical of Utkin's work, which is neither frivolous nor optimistic f this exhibit depicts the decay of the country's architectural structures. Recently, a selection of Utkin's photographs was exhibited within the framework of the "Ruins of Paradise" project at Venice's Architectural Biennale, where the work was highly praised by the jury.
Decaying buildings are a common sight in this country. In his work, Utkin mourns the destruction of churches, palaces and other buildings in favor of more functional buildings or housing f small tragedies he seems to equate with the general death of Russian architecture.
Of course, if you're looking for something a little more uplifting, perhaps a baroque concert at the famous 18th-century estate of Count Sheremetyev, now the Ostankino Estate Theater, is in order. The estate has been converted into a museum and is in no danger of falling down. This Sunday afternoon, pianist Yury Martynov will perform the music of Franz Joseph Haydn and Amadeus Mozart on the hammer clavichord, for which the music was written. If the weather is nice, the concert will offer a great opportunity for combining classical architecture, music and a bit of fresh air.
"Melancholia" opens Tuesday at the Museum of Architecture, located at 5 Ulitsa Vozdvizhenka. Metro Arbatskaya. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays. Tel. 291-1978, 290-4855.
Yury Martynov performs at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ostankino Estate Theater, located at 5 1st Ostankinskaya Ulitsa. Metro VDNKh. Tel. 213-2719. The theater's box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.