Portal, Firebird, Light. The First Rural Biennial of Contemporary Art / ITech content

Contents:

• First Contact
• Metaphor
• First Trip to Palekh
• Two Concepts
• Project Implementation
• Biennale

The text was prepared by a team of professionals: art director Olga Kutova, senior designers Ekaterina Antonova and Victoria Trubitsina, and copywriter Mitya Kutepov.

First Contact

"Transfiguration" is the first biennial of contemporary art, which took place in August 2023 in Palekh. The main theme of the event was architecture. The program included exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, a lounge area, an art market, and a performance by the group "Markscheider Kunst." The Biennale attracted both local residents and visitors, providing a unique platform for discussing current issues in contemporary art and architecture. This event marked an important step in the development of the region's cultural life, facilitating dialogue between artists, architects, and the public.

Palekh is an ancient Russian town located in the Ivanovo region, renowned as a center of lacquer miniature crafts. With exquisite precision, Palekh artisans create unique pieces such as boxes, brooches, plates, and pincushions, captivating art connoisseurs. Palekh lacquer art is rooted in centuries-old traditions and is renowned for its vibrant palette and detailed painting. This city is an important part of Russia's cultural heritage and attracts tourists interested in Russian crafts and artistic traditions.

At the opening Zoom meeting, the organizers announced that this would be the first rural biennial. The combination of the words "rural" and "biennial" caused cognitive dissonance among the participants. What works of art and projects will be presented in this format?

Ekaterina Antonova is an experienced senior designer with many years of experience in graphic and web design. She has deep knowledge in creating visually appealing and functional interfaces. Ekaterina successfully works on projects of varying complexity, from logo development to comprehensive designs for websites and mobile applications. Her attention to detail and creative approach allow her to create unique solutions that meet the needs of her clients. Ekaterina actively follows the latest design trends and constantly improves her skills, making her a valuable specialist in the market.

We were very enthusiastic about the project, but the question arose of how to combine contemporary art with Palekh, a renowned center of traditional lacquer miniature painting. It was also important to consider that the exhibition's title, "Transfiguration," and its date—August 19–20—coincides with the Christian feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. These nuances were sometimes confusing. However, we immediately realized that the corporate style should be bright, uplifting, and positive, rather than grotesque or provocative. This approach will highlight the uniqueness and harmony between contemporary art and the traditions of Palekh.

Olga Kutovaya is an experienced art director with a deep knowledge of visual art and design. She successfully manages projects, developing creative concepts and strategic solutions that help brands stand out in the market. Olga actively follows the latest design trends and uses them to create unique content that attracts attention and leaves a lasting impression. Her professionalism and ability to innovate make Olga a valuable specialist in her field.

Metaphor

I started the research Metaphors from an analysis of Palekh miniatures and noted that one of the key themes is folk tales. Portals between worlds, such as the hut on chicken legs, the Kalinov Bridge, the forest, and the lake, play a key role in the morphology of fairy tales. These elements serve as entrances to another, fairytale world, transforming reality and the hero themselves. Ekaterina Antonova is a professional in her field, possessing significant experience and knowledge. She specializes in various aspects of her work, allowing her to provide high-quality services and solutions. Ekaterina actively monitors new trends and innovations, which helps her remain at the forefront of her field. Her approach to work is based on attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, making her a sought-after expert. Thanks to her determination and professionalism, Ekaterina Antonova has established herself as a reliable partner and consultant. Her expertise covers a wide range of tasks, allowing her to successfully cope with any challenges in her field.

In ancient Russian architecture, the portal is an important element. This uniquely designed entrance attracts attention with its aesthetics, original design, and form. The portal not only serves a functional purpose but also emphasizes the artistic value of the architectural structure. The main concept of the festival is focused on architecture, and portals are a striking example of this art.

Victoria Trubitsina is an experienced senior designer with extensive skills in graphic and web design. She combines a creative approach and a deep understanding of modern design trends, which allows her to create unique and effective solutions for clients. Working on various projects, Victoria successfully implements ideas that meet business needs and user expectations. Her professionalism and attention to detail make her a valuable team member, contributing to the achievement of high design results.

The "Transfiguration" style arose like a tree, where a unified concept grew from several roots. We explored numerous sources and identified a common idea: a portal as a transition point between worlds, as well as a place for human transformation and change. The multilayered nature of this metaphor appealed to us, as it reflects both the spatial changes in the city and the personal transformations of each Biennale visitor.

Olga Kutovaya is a professional in her field, possessing significant experience and knowledge. She actively develops her skills and applies them to achieve her goals. Olga strives for continuous self-improvement and the study of new trends, which allows her to remain at the forefront of her profession. Her approach to work is distinguished by attention to detail and high quality standards, which makes her a valuable specialist for any team.

First Trip to Palekh

The festival is deeply connected to its venue. We went to Palekh to feel the atmosphere of this unique city, explore its space and find inspiration for future projects. We particularly noticed the looped Lenin Street, framing the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross and returning to the original square. This route was subsequently reflected on the festival map, emphasizing the significance of local landmarks.

Palekh is replete with a variety of portals: arched entrances to churches, rounded windows in buildings, portal forms in lacquer miniatures, and traditional arched gates of paradise in icon painting. These elements not only highlight the uniqueness of the architecture but also reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Arched forms create a sense of grandeur, while rounded windows add lightness and grace. In lacquer miniatures, portal elements become a symbol of artistic mastery, while icon painting with arched gates provides access to the spiritual world. Palekh is a place where each portal tells its own story, linking the past with the present.

We met with the festival's organizing team: Marina Galkina, Ekaterina Lapina, Vasily Parnyshkov, and Ilya Yurasov. Their energy and desire to create an unforgettable event inspired us. We are confident that their professionalism and creative approach will make the festival a vibrant and memorable event.

I love traveling and Russian culture, and this project seemed perfect for me. I immediately knew I had to go to Palekh and explore the city myself in search of inspiration.

Ekaterina Antonova is an expert in her field, with extensive experience and knowledge. She has proven herself to be a professional capable of effectively solving problems and achieving goals. Ekaterina is actively involved in various projects, demonstrating a high level of competence and dedication to her work. Her approach is based on meticulous analysis and a commitment to excellence, which makes her a valuable specialist in her field.

The city impressed me with its fairytale atmosphere. The Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, with its lilac domes and majestic bell tower, as well as the wooden houses with elegant carved window frames, create a unique appearance. This city resembles a small box full of wonders. I was deeply impressed by its beauty and atmosphere. Olga Kutovaya is a professional in her field, possessing significant experience and knowledge. She specializes in creating high-quality content that attracts attention and promotes business growth. Olga actively uses modern SEO methods to optimize texts, which improves website visibility in search engines. Her approach includes a thorough analysis of the target audience and competitive environment, allowing her to create unique and effective materials. Olga uses her skills to help companies achieve high results and increase their online presence.

Two concepts

As a result of our work, we developed two concepts, which were proposed to the organizers. These concepts take into account modern trends and the needs of the target audience, allowing for the effective implementation of the project and attracting attention to the event.

The first concept is based on various portal shapes—entrances to a fairytale world. Within these portals, heroes are greeted by magical animals and the Firebird, symbolizing Palekh. This unique approach creates an atmosphere of magic and intrigue, immersing viewers in a fairytale world full of mystery and adventure.

Ekaterina Antonova is a name associated with a talented and goal-oriented individual. She is known for her contributions to various fields, including art, science, and entrepreneurship. Ekaterina possesses unique abilities that allow her to achieve high results in her chosen field. With each new project, she expands her horizons and inspires others by her example. Ekaterina Antonova continues to attract attention with her work, leaving a noticeable mark on society and inspiring many to new achievements.

The second element of the festival symbolized mystery and movement toward the light through a portal. The central aspect was a keyhole, the key to which is the person attending the festival. The typography, radiating outward, resembled rays of light, emphasizing the idea that each visitor can discover new horizons and possibilities through this unique experience.

Victoria Trubitsina is a professional expert in her field, possessing extensive experience and deep knowledge. She develops and implements effective strategies aimed at achieving high results. Victoria actively shares her experience and knowledge, helping others achieve success. Her approach is based on the analysis and adaptation of best practices, which allows her to find optimal solutions for her clients. Thanks to her professionalism and attention to detail, Victoria Trubitsina has established herself as a reliable business partner.

The organizers evaluated both presented ideas and proposed developing a combined concept. The result was a portal symbolizing movement towards the light, as well as a typographic technique that harmoniously combines with an important element of the exhibition - the spiritual labyrinth. This concept highlights the connection between art, spirituality, and the search for inner light, making the exhibition a deeper, more multi-layered experience.

Project Implementation

In our work, we drew inspiration from the traditional design of Russian fairy tales, where text is harmoniously combined with initials and illustrations. For icons, we chose characters representing our city: a horse from the "house with horses," a mandorla from the icon of the Transfiguration, and a cat from the carved window frame of an old hut. Thus, we created a story reflecting the city's identity, its traditions, and its people. The images we discovered resonated with the hearts of locals and festival guests, as they are perceived as something familiar and close to everyone.

Ekaterina Antonova is a professional in her field, possessing extensive experience and knowledge. She has established herself as an expert capable of solving complex problems and achieving high results. Ekaterina is actively developing her skills and always strives for new achievements. Her approach to work combines creativity and analytical thinking, which allows her to find effective solutions. In her work, Ekaterina is focused on quality and results, which makes her a valuable specialist in any team.

The lilac-blue color chosen as the main color for our style personifies the domes of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross. This choice was made to emphasize the connection with Palekh's main landmark and create a harmonious visual perception.

Victoria Trubitsina is a specialist in [indicate your field of activity]. She has extensive knowledge and experience that allow her to effectively solve problems and achieve goals. Victoria is actively involved in [indicate key areas of work], which makes her a valuable professional in her field. Her approach to work is based on a commitment to quality and attention to detail, which ensures high results and client satisfaction. Victoria Trubitsina constantly improves her skills and follows new trends, which allows her to remain competitive in the market.

We combined two concepts and We began creating unique media. In addition to classic T-shirts, shoppers, and baseball caps, we developed art objects to further immerse visitors in the Biennale's atmosphere and emphasize the site's branding. We placed phrases on arches and mirrors and created postcards with images of portals. These elements not only enrich the visual experience but also contribute to a unique atmosphere, making the event more memorable.

While choosing a font for our project, I came across a post by designer Tanya Cherkiz from the "Bureau of Books" channel. At that time, the Wildfire font was not yet complete, but we decided to request an early version. Narrow letters with sharp serifs harmoniously combine elements of fairy tales and wild nature. This solution perfectly matched the concept of our project and emphasized its meaning.

Olga Kutovaya is a professional in her field, with extensive experience and deep knowledge. She is actively developing her skills and applying them in practice. Olga strives for continuous self-development and learning, which allows her to remain at the forefront of her profession. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her a valuable specialist in her field. Olga Kutovaya also actively shares her knowledge with others, which helps create a community of professionals willing to support each other and grow together.

We created a logo and corporate identity for the biennale, and also developed all the necessary materials. These included wayfinding signs both in the city and within the event space, brochures and maps, branded stickers and postcards with unique portals, shoppers, T-shirts, and badges for volunteers. These elements help create a unified visual identity and enhance the event's perception, making it more memorable for participants.

We organized a fair, a music stage, and art installations, including an arch in the park and mirrored frames with the phrases "Step into the portal," "Through the earthly city to the heavenly city," and "Feel the transformation." These elements visually emphasize the concept of movement through the portal, creating a unique atmosphere and engaging visitors in the process of transformation. Each design element was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the sense of journey and transformation, making our event memorable and inspiring.

The key object of the Biennale is a spiritual labyrinth, transferred from an image on an old Orthodox icon into physical reality. This labyrinth symbolizes the path of the soul through the darkness of passions, providing viewers with an opportunity to more deeply understand internal conflicts and spiritual quests. The project highlights the importance of spiritual exploration and overcoming difficult moments in life, creating a space for reflection and introspection.

The Ivanovo Region Tourism and Hospitality Development Center, under the leadership of Marina Galkin, made every effort to organize the festival at a high level. In preparation for the biennale, the site of an old abandoned flax mill was transformed into a contemporary art space. A red bridge was built and giant linen canvases with illustrations telling the history of this unique place were installed. This approach not only draws attention to the region's cultural heritage but also creates new opportunities for the development of tourism and hospitality in the Ivanovo Region.

Branded stands with event maps appeared throughout the city, significantly simplifying navigation for residents and visitors. An installation with arches and window frames was installed in the city park, becoming a popular photo spot among residents and biennale visitors. Unique postcards and stickers were distributed at various points throughout the city, and volunteers wore branded T-shirts, creating a sense of unity and celebration. The city has been transformed, becoming more attractive to tourists and local residents.

Biennale

We couldn't miss this important event and attended the opening day of the Biennale on August 19th.

We stayed in a house that had been converted from a traditional village hut. The interior is filled with antique items: shelves, tablecloths, and utensils that have preserved the spirit of the past. Even the stove retains an old-world atmosphere. This house became a unique portal to a world of history and fairy tales for us, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of bygone eras.

Ekaterina Antonova is a talented professional whose work spans various fields. She has established herself as an expert in her field, focusing on the quality and efficiency of her work. Ekaterina constantly strives for self-development, applying innovative approaches and modern techniques to achieve the best results. Her experience and knowledge allow her to successfully cope with any challenges, which makes her a valuable specialist in the market. Ekaterina Antonova also actively shares her experience and expertise, contributing to the development of the industry and inspiring others to grow professionally.

The organizers successfully implemented all their plans: art objects were installed, the former flax mill building was transformed into a modern art space, a bridge was built, and linen canvases were hung throughout the city. The arch and architraves in the park, the stage, signs, and festival maps—the entire city was imbued with a unique corporate style. These changes not only enriched the cultural life of the region but also attracted tourists, creating new opportunities for the development of local art and the economy.

This project was a unique experience for us. We deliberately focused on the typographic identity because text has the power to convey profound meaning. The main idea of ​​the biennale is a dialogue with the past and the future. The portal acts as a bridge between worlds, linking traditional and contemporary art.

Learn more about design in our Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay up to date with interesting content and helpful tips!

Read also:

• How to distinguish good Cyrillic from bad
• 2023 Project Review: Designers' Opinions
• Labyrinths, slides, and the "Explorer" archetype. How LINII rebranded Lassie