|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An exhibition of "Sarafany,
kokoshniki..." in the Hermitage's Youth Educational Center On 20 January 2006, a collection of Russian folk costumes on loan from Elena Yurievna Moiseenko, curator of the Department of History of Russian Culture in the State Hermitage, was presented in the Youth Educational Center. The garments were all made by master artisans in the Petersburg association "Yat," which brings together artists, sculptors and art historians who are attempting to revive interest in Russian folk culture, in folk crafts and in costumes. "Sarafany, kokoshniki..." and related articles of clothing have played an enormous role in Elena Yurievna Moiseenko's life. For many years she has been the curator of Russian national costumes in the Hermitage and has headed the association "Yat." Using patterns which largely are modeled on garments in the Hermitage collection, experienced seamstresses and tailors have made more than 30 complete costumes that reproduce the apparel worn in various regions of the European part of Russia. Elements of folk costumes that were saved by local residents have for many years been painstakingly collected by museum staff. Frequently they were used as props, models and inspiration by people in the arts. At present folk style costumes are almost impossible to find not only among city dwellers but even among the rural population. One can become acquainted with samples of folk costumes only by examining museum collections. However, the special conditions of storage limit the possibility of exhibiting them permanently, and examination of the museum holdings is accessible to only a narrow circle of specialists. Being unable to see genuine samples of Russian folk clothing, we tend to forget their unique beauty and lose touch with a whole section of applied art which otherwise reveals to us in a very accessible manner all the artistic merits of folk creativity. These days there is apparent a growing desire to save and further develop the various forms of folk creativity in its best examples, whether this be Gzhel ceramics or Palekh lacquer wares, Gorodets painted articles or Zhostov trays, Vladimir embroidery and Mikhailovo lace. Russian folk costumes belong in the same field and should be recreated. Unfortunately, folk costumes from the Hermitage collection are only rarely included in temporary exhibitions. For this reason the idea arose of creating a collection made from modern materials which would allow visitors to become acquainted with the basic types of national dress from the 18th and 19th centuries. Folk costumes have not only disappeared from our daily lives. Their look and artistic uniqueness are disappearing from our memories. The present exhibition also displays genuine items from the Hermitage collection and gives us a chance to come into contact with Russian culture and with the traditions of our forefathers. The exhibition continues until 5 February in the exhibition hall of the Youth Educational Center. |
|
|||||
|
Copyright
© 2006 State Hermitage Museum |
