Moscow's 2016 Photo Biennale that recently opened has exhibitions ongoing throughout the city. One of the main venues this year is the Central Manege Exhibition Hall, where no less than seven exhibitions opened last week.
One of the most interesting projects this year is "Evolution of Sight. 1991-2016," devoted to the 25th anniversary of the Russian Union of Art Photographers. The exhibition is very comprehensive and covers the post-Soviet evolution of both documentary and art photography. You can actually track the succession of different styles and trends and the transition from film to digital format. The exhibition represents three generations of Russian photographers, including both well-known and comparatively young artists from all over Russia.
Another exhibition of notice is French artist Olivier Culmann's project "The Others." In this case, the "others" in front of the camera are people in India. In this multi-phase project, first Culmann tried on his subjects every stereotype that exists in Indian society and made portraits in his New Delhi studio. Then he manipulated the portraits digitally in styles that are popular among Indians, such as using soft spots, special lighting, and hand-tinting. Finally, based on those photographs, street artists made paintings. All these phases are represented at the exhibition at Manege.
"Tout Contre" (All Against) by Claudia Huidobro also attempts to challenge our stereotypes. Huidobro, a former model, takes the camera in her own hands to make a series of photographs. She uses herself as a model and strikes different poses in an empty room of a castle in the south of France. All these photographs are devoid of the attributes of her previous modelling experience: expensive dresses, make-up, luxurious surroundings. This is really a reimagining of Huidobro's whole identity, the creation of a new self.
The other exhibitions are Graziano Arici's "Venice. World Culture in the People"; "Open-Mouthed" by the Spanish photographer Cristina Garcia Rodero; "Turbulent America" by Jean-Pierre Laffont; and Yusuf Sevincli's "Derive." All will run until March 17.
Manege Central Exhibition Hall
moscowmanege.ru
1 Manege Square. Metro Okhotny Ryad
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.
