What's Behind the "Black Square": Skillbox Media's Questions on GES-2 Mediators

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Until October 27th, the GES-2 Community Center is hosting the exhibition "Square and Space. From Malevich to GES-2." Curators Francesco Bonami and Zelfira Tregulova present works by outstanding artists, including Erik Bulatov, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Vasily Kandinsky, Alexander Rodchenko, and Kazimir Malevich. The exhibition also features works by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol. The exhibition explores the relationship between the square and space, highlighting the influence of these artists on contemporary art.

Dedicated to the influence of the "Black Square," the exhibition transports us into the world of an art history textbook. What events and movements preceded the creation of this radical 20th-century work? How has the "Black Square" influenced the formation of space in the works of modern and contemporary artists? Within this context, a variety of variations can be observed, including pure color, optical illusions, and complete installations. These elements continue to evolve and inspire artists to this day, highlighting the significance of the Black Square in art history and its influence on contemporary art.

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Kazimir Malevich's Black Square is not Not just an abstract painting, but a significant work of art that raises many questions and discussions. The secret of its genius lies in its ability to evoke deep emotions and reflections on the nature of art and perception.

Malevich used minimalism to free art from traditional forms and subjects, creating a new reality. "Black Square" became a symbol of revolution in art, personifying the transition to abstraction and new artistic concepts.

The painting makes the viewer think about the boundaries of art and its role in society. It opens the door to interpretation, allowing everyone to see something of their own in it. This work has become the basis for discussions about the meaning and value of art, arousing the interest of both experts and the general public.

Thus, the secret of the genius of "Black Square" lies in its ability to provoke thought and expand the boundaries of art perception, making it relevant and significant today.

As part of art historical research, the exhibition also touches on the topic of the history of interaction between a work of art and a viewer over the past century and a half. Curators note that masterpieces have lost their central role and now function as an unnecessary backdrop for self-affirmation, becoming nothing more than a frame for a selfie. However, is this a negative phenomenon? The transformation of art perception may indicate new forms of its awareness and interaction with the public. The viewer becomes an active participant, not just an observer, which opens up new horizons for the interpretation and understanding of art.

The relationship between art and the viewer can be perceived as pessimistic: many people seek to see the works of only famous artists, ignoring less popular, but no less significant, works. On the GES-2 website, the announcement presents only a few names best known to the general public, while the full list of artists remains unnoticed. This highlights the tendency toward a narrow perception of art, which can limit opportunities for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity of the art world.

There is nothing wrong with gravitating toward familiar artists. Why not immerse yourself in great art right now? However, it's also important to pay attention to works that aren't included in university textbooks. Perhaps it's worth setting aside an extra day to study them to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of art. This will help not only develop your taste but also shape your own creative ideas.

We asked the House of Culture's mediators about what might go unnoticed by viewers.

The exhibition "Square and Space" is a large-scale project that brings together works by outstanding artists. It is a true event in the art world, attracting the attention of connoisseurs and professionals. However, among the many exhibits, there are works that, in the opinion of some viewers, remain unfairly overlooked. Which works, in your opinion, deserve greater attention and recognition from the public?

Mediators' responses are an important aspect of the conflict resolution process. Mediators, acting as neutral third parties, assist the parties in finding mutually acceptable solutions. Their responses may include strategies for improving communication, active listening techniques, and recommendations for overcoming emotional barriers.

Effective mediator responses contribute to the creation of a safe atmosphere for discussion, which in turn can lead to a more constructive dialogue. They can also help the parties see the situation from different perspectives and find compromises that satisfy all parties.

The importance of mediators' responses lies not only in directly resolving the conflict but also in strengthening the relationship between the parties. Correct responses can help restore trust and understanding, which is key to preventing future conflicts.

Thus, the mediators' responses are an integral part of the mediation process, contributing to the effective resolution of disputes and the creation of sustainable relationships.

A mediator is a special tool used to facilitate the process of communication and conflict resolution between the parties. In legal practice, mediators help parties reach an agreement, avoiding litigation. They create a safe environment for discussing problems and promote mutual understanding. Mediators can work in a variety of areas, including family disputes, commercial conflicts, and labor disputes. Their work is based on neutrality and confidentiality, allowing parties to openly express their thoughts and feelings. Professional mediators possess skills in active listening, empathy, and strategic thinking, making them indispensable in dispute resolution. For best results, it is recommended to choose a mediator with experience in the specific area of ​​​​the conflict.

I believe that not just one work, but an entire series of black-and-white sheets by Boris Turetsky, created in the 1950s and 1970s, is unfairly ignored. I am always struck by Turetsky's courage in presenting such abstract works at the age of fifty. This series fits perfectly into the exhibition, demonstrating the evolution from almost white spaces to an almost black square. Turetsky's works reflect the development of abstract art and its influence on modern perception.

A mediator is a professional who helps parties resolve conflicts and reach agreements. During mediation, the mediator acts as a neutral intermediary, facilitating constructive dialogue and facilitating the search for mutually beneficial solutions. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions; their task is to create a comfortable environment for communication, guiding participants toward understanding and compromise.

Effective mediation can be used in a variety of areas, including business, family disputes, labor conflicts, and social disagreements. The mediator's ability to listen, analyze the situation, and propose alternative solutions can significantly reduce the time spent on conflict resolution and reduce emotional tension.

Choosing a professional mediator can be a key step toward successfully resolving a dispute. An experienced mediator has the necessary skills to work with various types of conflicts, making them indispensable in difficult situations. As a result of mediation, the parties can not only resolve current issues but also strengthen their relationships in the future.

At the "Square and Space" exhibition, visitors are greeted by Ivan Aivazovsky's famous painting "The Black Sea," which often remains the only example of a seascape. However, at the back of the room is Thierry de Cordier's painting "North Sea," which offers a completely different take on the same motif. Together, these two works provide a more complete understanding of the hidden leitmotifs and parallels that permeate the entire exhibition.

The Mediation Program Curator plays a key role in organizing and conducting mediation processes. He is responsible for developing strategies aimed at resolving conflicts and improving communication between the parties. The curator's primary task is to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for participants, which facilitates a more effective and constructive dialogue. The curator also ensures high-quality mediation by monitoring compliance with ethical standards and professional norms. It is important for the curator to have experience in mediation practice and negotiation skills, which allows them to successfully handle various conflict situations. Optimizing the mediation process with the curator's assistance helps achieve mutually beneficial solutions and minimize the negative consequences of disputes.

I always draw the attention of tour participants to the work "Composition" (1969) by Rimma Zanevskaya-Sapgir. This work is important because art can extend beyond the canvas. The harmonious abstract image not only remains memorable to the viewer, but also continues to live on beyond the exhibition, revealing new facets. This underscores the power of art in creating emotional and intellectual connections that persist even after the exhibition ends.

The work "Composition" is vividly felt in the context of a triad with two other significant works. Vladimir Galkin's op art work uses color patterns to manipulate the viewer's perception, creating an illusion through the physiological structure of the eye. Meanwhile, "Yalkyn-1" by the student design bureau "Prometheus" explores new artistic horizons, combining light, color, movement, and music to transcend traditional techniques. Together, these works create a unique dialogue about perception and expand the boundaries of contemporary art. The exhibition features three works that, despite their similarity, offer distinct approaches to transcending artistic boundaries. These approaches are expressed through altered perception, the use of media, and a shift toward non-objectivity. In this context, Zanevskaya-Sapgir's "Composition" is perceived intuitively, without the complications of formal searches, which allows the viewer to focus on the immediate emotional perception of the work.

A mediator is a professional who helps parties in a conflict reach an agreement and resolve disputes. Its primary purpose is to create conditions for constructive dialogue and understanding between the participants. The mediator acts as a neutral intermediary, not taking sides but guiding them toward a mutually satisfactory solution. Using a mediator can be particularly beneficial in business, family, and legal matters, as it helps reduce tension and expedite the process of reaching an agreement. It is important for the mediator to possess active listening, empathy, and negotiation skills, which allows them to effectively manage the mediation process.

At the very end of the exhibition, in a space reminiscent of a corridor, is a work by Mikhail Roginsky entitled "Wall with a Socket." This installation leaves a strong impression on me and harmoniously resonates with many other objects and concepts presented in the exhibition. It combines extreme simplicity, a play with color, and the transformation of a painting into a three-dimensional object. Everyday elements of art are elevated to the level of art, creating a connection with the ready-mades of Marcel Duchamp. Unfortunately, tired visitors often pass by this significant work, not noticing its depth and meaning.

The Mediation Program Coordinator plays a key role in organizing and managing mediation processes. He is responsible for the development and implementation of programs aimed at resolving conflicts and disputes through mediation. The coordinator's primary responsibilities include training mediators, coordinating work with participants, and monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness. This profession requires not only in-depth knowledge of mediation but also project management and people skills. A mediation program coordinator fosters a harmonious environment for dispute resolution, which in turn enhances trust and cooperation among participants.

My favorite work in this exhibition is "Textile Workers" by Alexander Deineka. His socialist realist style, interspersed with the photorealism of Ralph Goings and the romanticization of communal life by Mikhail Roginsky in the "Space of Life and Art" section, has a distinctly futuristic feel. This work does not evoke the usual delight that is usually associated with the image of the labor process, but, on the contrary, demonstrates new perspectives and approaches to the depiction of industrial activity.

Art historians often use terms like "reflecting the pulse of the times" and "the psychology of labor," but in this painting I see something more mythological. The painting's three heroines, barefoot and dressed in white, resemble the Moirai spinning the thread of human destiny. Their surroundings—the gleam of metal factory equipment and the orange-red cattle visible from the window against a backdrop of constructivist buildings—underscore how differently the future was perceived in 1927. This future recalls the world of Ursula Le Guin's novel "The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia," where utopian ideas and social change create a complex and multilayered context.

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Read also:

• Where to go in October: lectures, workshops, and fairs in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod
• Against "artistic" and "aesthetic" typography. An excerpt from the book "Constructivism"
• Interactive, installation, and immersiveness: a guide to the basic concepts of contemporary art

The "Square and Space" exhibition features many works by renowned artists, making it a true cultural event. However, among this wealth, there are some works that, in your opinion, viewers underestimate. Which of them, in your opinion, deserves closer attention?

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