Contemporary
Art Exhibits, Summer 2012

This summer the Hermitage presented several interesting exhibit projects, which were organized as part of the Hermitage 20/21 project aimed at expanding the Hermitage's collection of art from the 20th and 21st centuries and presenting the work of contemporary artists there. In 2012, the Hermitage's collection of contemporary art was expanded with a collection of pieces from the late 20th and early 21st century that belonged to Georges Matcheret and Nadia Wolkonsky. 848 postal envelopes were decorated by masters of the Soviet undergrounds, Russian artists abroad and highly visible figures on the post-Soviet art scene. 200 envelopes were showed at the Hermitage in July. The previous July was marked by exhibits of pieces by two famous contemporary sculptors in the Great Courtyard of the Winter Palace: British artist Anthony Cragg (until July 22nd) and Cuban emigre Enrique Martinez Celaya (until November 30th). From June 27th to September 30th, 2012, the St. Nicholas Hall will host an exhibit entitled Santiago Calatrava. The Quest for Movement. This exhibit includes around 150 architectural mockups, designs and sketches by one of the most famous and prolific architects of our time.

Santiago Calatrava. The Quest for Movement
Enrique Martinez Celaya. Tower of Snow