Женя showed me a really interesting art center called Art Play located right by the train tracks - walking distance form the Metro station Курская. Before being turned into an 'Art Mecca', this area was somewhat sketchy, housing factory buildings, warehouses, and attracting a decent homeless population. Still there are traces of uneasiness and homelessness is visible a few blocks away, but now this area can also be described as vintage-chique - a unique, artistic renovation.
All of the walls are painted over in unique styles. Some old buildings were rebuilt into artistic masterpieces, with bricks crocheted into a semi-circular wall, and new buildings were also added - revamped and out of the ordinary, such as the oblong one on the left (on top of a café, I might add).
Today, one can find a variety of treasures in this Art Center: shops, cafés, artists' personal studios, company offices, Art University classrooms, a stereotypical English pub, art galleries, a vintage trinket shop (that I am told is a wonderful place to look for unique gifts), and most importantly - the reason we went - art exhibits.
'Van Gogh Alive' was a multi-media presentation of (seemingly) all of Van Gogh's works. His paintings, sketches, and even letters were projected onto large screens, accompanied by thematic music, and displayed in chronological order with commentary on his life.
Such a unique and whole presentation is impossible to find, since Van Gogh's paintings are scattered among various prestigious museums, so seeing his entire life's work in unison was captivating. Visually learning how his style evolved over time in accordance with prominent life events evoked a deeper understanding and appreciation for his works of art and dedication.
I saw works of art that I had never seen before and was really touched by everything I learned about his life. Thank you, Женя, for showing me such an unforgettable exhibit. Certainly, best 500 rubles I ever spent! :)
you are so cute
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