Anyone seeking a respite from urban life can find it at the “Primeval Russia” exhibit at the Central House of Artists. Called a festival of nature by organizers, the exhibit’s main attraction is its natural photography — 500 shots of wild Russian landscapes and wild animals in vibrant color and stunning detail. The festival program also includes Russian nature documentaries, photography master classes and children’s workshops.
“This festival has already become a heartwarming tradition and unites all those who take pride in Russia and its spectacular nature,” said Sergei Shoigu, defense minister and president of the Russian Geographical Society, at the exhibit’s opening on Friday. “The visitors will embark on a virtual tour around Russia and get a chance to see its remote and hidden parts.”
Festival head Oleg Panteleyev told Ekho Moskvy radio station that he hopes the festival can inspire a new generation of natural historians. The exhibit chose Soviet writer Mikhail Prishvin’s words, “nature can do without culture, but culture without nature quickly runs out of steam,” as the festival’s motto.
About 100,000 people came to the exhibit last year and Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said at the opening that he hopes to see 150,000 people come this year.
“I would encourage all Muscovites and those visiting Moscow to attend this exhibit,” Medinsky said at the opening. “They should bring their children to show them the ineffable beauty of our country and set out to travel around Russia afterward.”
The centerpiece of the photography exhibition is “Ridge: The Caucasus from Sea to Sea,” shot on film by photographer Anton Lange. “We know nothing about the North Caucasus. In reality it’s a Russian treasure, we are lucky to have it, with its pristine nature, its cuisine and its traditions,” Lange, a former biologist, said on Friday.
The photos on display captivated many of those at the opening. One man in a suit stood staring longingly at a Lange photograph of the Caucasian wilderness, while two younger women were fixated upon Gennady Yusin’s incredible series of wild animal portraits taken at the Kronotsky nature reserve in Kamchatka.
“Primeval Russia” runs until Feb. 22. Central House of Artists. 10 Krymsky Val. Metro Oktyabrskaya. 499-238-9634. cha.ru, fotocult.ru
By Richard Ensor and Ekaterina Gladkova
Vladimir Filonov / MT