Mardjani Foundation
The biennial exhibition "The Heart of Asia", which is being held for the second time at the Center for Oriental Literature of the Russian State Library, offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity of Central Asia through modern art and rare books. The exhibition is divided into several sections that encourage reflection on the concepts of place, time, geographical boundaries, intangible borders, and the memory of individuals and communities.
The central section of the exhibition, "Evacuation in Progress...", assumes special significance in light of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. During this period, Central Asia not only served as a rear area, but also played a role in preserving and revitalizing culture. The posters from the 1940s featured at the exhibition come from the collection of the Mardjani Foundation for the Support and Development of Research and Cultural Programs, and document this significant historical process.
The art section of the exhibition features a textile installation by Yulia Lodygina, which transcends physical boundaries. The works of Turkmen artist Dariy Asadullaev combine visual art with poetic elements, while the plein air sketches by students of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts demonstrate the interaction between classical European artistic traditions and Central Asian natural landscapes.
A separate section of the exhibition depicts a darkroom where the concepts of "memory" and "eternity" are intertwined. Ethnographic postcards from the early 20th century from the collections of the Russian State Library's Department of Art Publications are juxtaposed with photographs by modern photographers from Russia and post-Soviet countries.
The book-illustrated section features publications and materials from the collections of the Russian State Library. Visitors may view the archival footage of the feature films "Wait for Me" (1944), "The Aerial Cabman" (1943) and "The Front" (1944). These films were all produced by the Central United Film Studios in Alma-Ata, which served as a refuge for the competing Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios during the war.
The book section of the exhibition also includes photo albums from the Soviet era. These publications, which focus on architectural monuments, cityscapes, and portraits of notable figures, reflect the official aesthetic and ideological values of that time. Of particular interest is the opportunity to compare these materials with works by modern photographers who document the same region today.
The central section of the exhibition, "Evacuation in Progress...", assumes special significance in light of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. During this period, Central Asia not only served as a rear area, but also played a role in preserving and revitalizing culture. The posters from the 1940s featured at the exhibition come from the collection of the Mardjani Foundation for the Support and Development of Research and Cultural Programs, and document this significant historical process.
The art section of the exhibition features a textile installation by Yulia Lodygina, which transcends physical boundaries. The works of Turkmen artist Dariy Asadullaev combine visual art with poetic elements, while the plein air sketches by students of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts demonstrate the interaction between classical European artistic traditions and Central Asian natural landscapes.
A separate section of the exhibition depicts a darkroom where the concepts of "memory" and "eternity" are intertwined. Ethnographic postcards from the early 20th century from the collections of the Russian State Library's Department of Art Publications are juxtaposed with photographs by modern photographers from Russia and post-Soviet countries.
The book-illustrated section features publications and materials from the collections of the Russian State Library. Visitors may view the archival footage of the feature films "Wait for Me" (1944), "The Aerial Cabman" (1943) and "The Front" (1944). These films were all produced by the Central United Film Studios in Alma-Ata, which served as a refuge for the competing Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios during the war.
The book section of the exhibition also includes photo albums from the Soviet era. These publications, which focus on architectural monuments, cityscapes, and portraits of notable figures, reflect the official aesthetic and ideological values of that time. Of particular interest is the opportunity to compare these materials with works by modern photographers who document the same region today.
Organizers and participants
The Russian State Library , The Russian State Library / The Center of Oriental Literature, Saint Petersburg Repin Academy of Arts, The Mardjani Foundation
Photos
