We are inviting you to the ART Basement of the Municipal Gallery for the opening of the first group exhibition of Violeta Terlyga’s students “Red Corner”, November 10th at 18:00!

10.11.21-25.11.21

Perhaps, if we translate into English or Ukrainian the name of the studio “Krasnyi Ugolok” (“Red Corner”), the real meaning will certainly be lost, and with it the long chain of historical references. The red corner, meaning  “beautiful, splendid” (from Old Slavonic), was a holy corner in the house. Among the Eastern Slavs this was the most honorable place in the house where icons were placed and a table was set, usually facing the southeast. The icons in the red corner were a reference to the altar of an Orthodox church, the table serving as the church altar. Entering a house, a person would first of all make a sign of the cross looking at the icons in “the red corner”, and only then would greet the owners. The most honored guests were seated at the red corner.

By the time of the early 20th century, the function of such a place had been lost, and although the idea of the altar remained, it was moved to other places. “Red corners”’ began to appear at enterprises and institutions, these were special stands reserved for the political propaganda and ideological education of the USSR citizens. In 1915, Kazimir Malevich was presenting his “Black Suprematist Square” at the latest futurist exhibition “0.10”, and placed it not incidentally not on a wall surface, but in a corner; later this work would be called the “icon” of Russian avant-garde.

Later, at the end of the 20th century, during the era of “Perestroika” (1985-1991), Red Corners in institutions still existed, but they looked different again: portraits of revolutionary leaders were replaced with “living corners of nature”, where one could see cages with parrots, aquariums with fish, lianas and other house flowers in pots. Our time, 2021. The era of the so-called postmodernism. Humans are still craving for attractive (in their understanding) places, this earning even grows stronger fueled by a culture of narcissism. Such public places have become widespread and known as “Selfie Zones”. “It’s not a person that decorates a place, but a place decorates a person” ( joke from social networks).

Regardless of the cult and ideology of society, there is always a certain attraction and even addiction to the adoration of something unusual, extraordinary. And here art comes to the rescue – the art of creating objects which are amazing, incomprehensible, hand-made, pleasing to the eyes and soul. Art as religion and obsession satisfies the need of mankind to own beauty, and beauty is always on the altar. Museums, galleries, creative workshops – they are all temples of Art, with the artist being the same priest and oracle in its service.

Art Studio “Red Corner”, meeting the society’s request for the conquest of the beautiful, offers to a new generation of young people various methods of embodying their needs in Art.

We regret to have to inform you about the new rules for visitors. To participate in our opening, you must show a gallery employee one of these documents:

🟣 Negative result of testing for COVID-19 by PCR or express test for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus antigene (taken no later than 72 hours before the time of the event);

🟣 Certificate confirming a full or partial vaccination course.

🟣 International, domestic or foreign certificate confirming recovery from COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health also reminds about the following three simple rules of anti-epidemic safety – keeping a distance, wearing a mask and using sanitizers – these rules save lives. Take care of yourself and your family 😷