Contemporary art: a matter of faith

A new contemporary art show has opened in Moscow.  It is short but has a meaningful title – “I Believe” – that renders the main idea of the exhibition. As the title suggests, the artists are trying to find answers to

“During our discussions, we found one topic of particular interest to everyone. People may call it different – some call it faith, some transcendental and some divine knowledge. But in fact, it is the same thing,” explains Oleg Kulik, a famous contemporary Russian artist and curator of the project.

The exhibition featuring 59 pieces is set in an old ice cellar – the temperature is just little higher than zero degrees.

Artists transformed a room into a labyrinth – letting visitors choose the way on their own risk. Those who succeed get to the central chamber of the composition.

Among other pieces, there is a television shrine, which represents the 20th century. On the screen there are images of 40 icons, dating from the 16th to the 20th century. For many people, TV has become a kind of icon.

Another exhibit, a “High-Jump” is a metaphor of each person's wish to overcome hardships and achieve success by all means.

While some works are quite complicated and take whole rooms on their own others are special only in details, like for example, a pay phone which lets everyone release their confessions.