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Yevgen Nikiforov / Polina Baitsym |
New from DOM publishers:
Yevgen Nikiforov / Polina Baitsym
Ukraine. Art for Architecture
Soviet Modernist Mosaics form 1960 to 1990
In the period between 1960 and 1990, when Ukrainian art was regulated by the Soviet institutions, local monumental and decorative arts could be found at the spearhead of the Party’s propaganda. At the same time it was a field for artistic experimentation. The artists adhered to the desired canon when depicting stereotypes such as workers, farmers and soldiers - but they also included fantastical animals, mythical creatures or doctors fighting disease by targeting hideous monsters with gamma radiation.
Originally conceived as an architectural guide, Ukraine. Art for Architecture. Soviet Modernist Mosaics from 1960 to 1990 is an informed companion for a trip to the modernist mosaics of the Ukraine. The author and photographer Yevgen Nikiforov, who already presented an initial, comprehensive study in the magnificently illustrated Decommunized: Ukrainian Soviet Mosaics (2017) - which introduced the world to these striking works of art - has continued his research and assembled more than 120 outstanding objects from five regions for this title. He can fall back on a database of more than 5,000 mosaics that he recorded photographically over the past six years on travels to places that can be difficult to reach. From these journeys of discovery he has put together routes for his readers which will not only take them to the touristically interesting parts of the Ukraine, but also to the most technically and artistically challenging mosaics in public spaces. An introductory essay by the Ukrainian art historian Polina Baitsym reveals the linkages of the mosaics’ motifs with broader iconographic and historical context.
Today many Ukrainian mosaics are threatened by decay or destruction. As they are not in legal terms officially defined as individual objects of art they are unguarded in the face of the decommunization law, which was ratified in April of 2015 and is indirectly targeted against Russia. This law prohibits the display of communist symbols and slogans and states that communist memorials are to be removed. A trip to the mosaics could, therefore, become a race against time.
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The Architectural Guides by DOM publishers are handy travel companions for readers interested in architecture and culture. Projects are carefully selected and researched to make each individual book a ready work of reference, while background information and attractive design inspire armchair travellers to imaginary journeys. In 2014, the series was awarded with the „Iconic Award“ by the German Design Council, and in 2016 with the „German Design Award Special“. Further information: www.dom-publishers.com
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