HOLIDAYS IN RUSSIA

For the first time the exhibition presents the theme of holiday in the Russian art of the 18^th - 20^thcenturies so fully and widely. The exposition includes about 250 paintings, graphic works, the works of the applied and folk art from the collection of the Russian Museum.

The Christianity and paganism, rural and town culture, spiritual and flesh, Russian and foreign were combined in the Russian holidays for many centuries. The exhibition gives the viewer an opportunity to trace the evolution of the theme of holiday from the beginning of the 18^th century when the state and folk holidays as well as their rites, customs and traditions for the first time appeared in the creative oeuvre of the Russian artists. The Easter divine services, religious processions, balls, colourful Carnival festivals and the other plots are reflected in the paintings and graphic works, in the articles of the Emperor Porcelain Factory and in the works by folk masters.

The special section of the exposition is devoted to the image of the Soviet Holidays. In the canvases by I.Brodsky, P.Buchkin, A.Samokhvalov, A.Gerasimov alongside with the posters and the examples of the applied arts the official state holidays and memorable dates (May Day, Victory Day, 7 November) are presented as the imposing action - demonstration, parade, solemn gathering, labor initiative, or the modest family ritual. Another, everyday or religious aspect of this theme is revealed in the works by J.Kugach, Z.Arshakuni, T.Nazarenko and the other artists of the second half of the 20^th - beginning of the 21^th century.