A proposal for an exhibition of digital patterns taking place in V&A Museum London
This project celebrates cultural traditions of my country of origin. Under ongoing circumstances, I feel obligated to clarify that it is not politically oriented nor do I share current political beliefs of Russian government.
Rospis: Examining Traditional Folk Patterns of Russia (2022) is a series of digital posters that draw from a folklore art of historical Russia. The posters in this series offer an insight into the world where patterns and ornaments are used instead of words. Constantly moving motifs bring up a question: What is the purpose of traditional art in the modern world? The answer is simple – it is in our hands to keep traditional art alive by placing it in new, unconventional dimensions. Examination of Russian patterns roots in my natural interest in customs and traditions of my motherland. In this case, patterns are a signature of a society, its visual language and reflection of a culture.
Teeming with symbolism, the patterns are telling stories about nature, joy and customs of the area of their origin. Perhaps the most fascinating part of our experience with patterns is how we read them before and after we are being introduced to their cultural and historical context. Before, the viewer is invited to simply enjoy the beauty of the artwork. After they engage with the narrative, however, the experience transitions into a cultural appreciation.
In a way, I want to leave it up to the viewer’s imagination how they interpret the showcase of patterns, knowing that my intentions are simple: Rospis is about reflection, appreciation and transition of traditional art into this day and age.
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The patterns inspired by traditional art of Khokhloma, Permogorsk and Gzhel regions are a result of a combination of hand-drawn and digital elements created by myself.
