Romantic realism at the exhibition of Soviet painting

Starting from November 4 and December 4, 2015 in the Central Exhibition Hall of Moscow was a thematic art exhibition. The exposition was called "Romantic Realism, Soviet Painting 1925-1945."

Hype

Of course, the theme of the Soviet Union's heritage was always controversial and controversial. You can refer to this time in different ways. That's the exhibition at the Manezh "Romantic Realism" was no exception. Some critics reproached her with veiled sympathy for one of the bloodiest periods of Soviet history, others appreciated the desire to give art of that era a new breath.

However, like any other art, romantic realism is part of the story, and it has the right to be. The search for a new look at the agitational culture that is habitual for all will probably never lose their relevance. This time the organization of the exhibition devoted to the theme of Soviet art was taken up by the State Museum and Exhibition Center "ROSIZO" with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The main purpose of this project was to clearly demonstrate the essence of Soviet propaganda and to present to society the opportunity to see selected works of this period.

Exhibition

Of course, at this exposition one could also find works of real giants of the Stalin era-all known Isaak Brodsky, director and screenwriter Sergei Gerasimov, a talented painter Alexander Laktionov. But there were presented at the exhibition called "Romantic Realism" paintings and lesser-known, but not less gifted personalities - the Soviet painter and sculptor Alexander Deineka, the painter Alexander Labas - the main representatives of romantic realism. Did not fail to expose the works of Russian artists Vasily Kuptsov, Nikolai Denisovsky and many other figures of the Soviet Union.

Promise

The most interesting thing in this exhibition is in what conditions it was held. "Romantic Realism" was opened simultaneously with the exposition dedicated to Orthodox Russia. Naturally, the themes of these two exhibitions are diametrically opposed. If romantic realism glorifies the spirit of the Soviet past, then a spiritual view of this topic casts doubt on all the alleged "achievements" of the Stalin period. Throughout the prism of Orthodoxy, the history of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is shown as struggle, deprivation, terror and suffering and enduring people living in an outstanding state. This is a story about how the country was not so lucky with its ruler, a ruthless and bloody tyrant. However, the spiritual exhibition did not seek to revise history or submit it in its own interpretation. The main task of almost any religious movement is to exalt the martyrs. In this case they were made by the Soviet people.

The Orthodox exhibition did not seek to blacken the culture of the Soviet Union. However, she still made her impression and threw a shadow at the exposition "Romantic Realism". The paintings in the neighboring rooms have an absolutely opposite character - colorful, bright, cheerful sketches, merry happy people laughing with them. The bright future, it seems, flows from the canvases. So where is the truth? On whose side is the truth? Is there another opinion different from these? There are many questions that can not be answered.

Spectacle

Here they are, the canvases themselves, an exhibition in the arena "Romantic Realism." It is difficult for ordinary people to imagine or even hard to believe that these pictures full of joy and light were written at a time when the Chekists shot innocent people in the cellars without trial and without trial, and on collective farms and in factories thousands of workers tried to execute another plan. So does the written reality correspond? Everyone should answer this question after viewing the pictures himself.

The organizers of the exhibition suggest taking the art of the Stalin era as a tribute to the past, as beautiful imprinted unfulfilled dreams of a common happy happy future, the standard of society and the state. The exhibition is proud of the dreamy title "Romantic Realism". From some of the paintings, outstanding personalities and politicians like Stalin or Voroshilov respectfully look at us. A little further from the walls of the exhibition center, full of energy and vitality, gaze fondly at the visitors of the gymnast and physical culture. A little further - the majestic architecture of that time, built or conceived. If you do not remember the story, then the spectacle is very impressive. Everything is in the best traditions of Stalin's agitpropaganda.

conclusions

None of the organizers rejects the martyrdom of their own state, but also does not deny that such a past can and should be proud of ... And painting is needed in order to enjoy it, even if it does not quite truthfully describe the situation. But one way or another, romantic realism as a current in culture has the right to exist. One has only to remember that not everything is simple, that lies on the surface. As in this case.