I International Exhibition of Calligraphy in St. Petersburg, September 16-21, 2008
The first in Russia International Exhibition of Calligraphy was held in St. Petersburg from September 16 till September 21, 2008. The ancient halls of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg served as the venue for this unique event.
For centuries the halls of the Academy have welcomed the largest exhibitions of Russian and foreign masters, but collections of calligraphic artworks, rare script books and documents, writing materials and utensils, applied calligraphy items were exhibited here for the first time ever.
Designers and technical services had to work hard to prepare stylish decoration for exquisite exhibits.
Sixty-eight artists from twenty-six countries represented their works at the show. Fine European calligraphy samples, Arabic ligature, ancient Chinese hieroglyphs, Cyrillic writing and abstract calligraphy paintings: it is almost impossible to find the trend which wouldn’t have been showcased at the outstanding international project.
The centerpiece of the exhibition was formed by the exclusive handwritten variant of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The exhibit attracted meticulous attention of the visitors and mass media representatives.
The opening ceremony was far from being “official”. The music and calligraphy reigned that night. The illustrious masters of calligraphy from Russia, Germany, Israel and China were inspired by and improvised at the strains of Dmitry Shapovalov’s cello and music of the Terem-quartet band.
The opening ceremony was attended by the representatives of diplomatic corps and renowned workers of science and culture. The show was opened by the Chairman of the National Union of Calligraphers Mr. Petr Chobitko and Chairman of the World Club of Petersburgers, Mrs. Valentina Orlova.
The welcome telegrams from the Chief of the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Mr. Sergey Mironov and Minister of Culture of Russia, Mr. Avdeyev were read in public.
The Anthem of the Russian Federation performed by the Chamber Choir of the Smolny Cathedral sounded especially solemnly in the ancient Academy.
It is well-known that the most curious things happen after the official speeches are over. The doors to the exhibition halls threw open and the visitors were able to thoroughly study each and every of the skillfully illuminated exhibits.
The first in Russia international exhibition of calligraphy admired and inspired the guests of the northern capital of Russia. The queues lined up to the comments book. Moreover, the guests were asked to write with goose-quills.
“The atmosphere in the museum was incredible. It was the fusion of mystery and magic. The music was admirable and beautiful. Fresh flowers were everywhere; the air was filled with the odour of flowers. Calligraphy is a true art. It is not merely a well-written text. Those were real paintings. The paintings made of letters, lines and flourishes. A butterfly, sun or rain – all made of letters!”, one of the visitors left a precise description of the show.
The exhibition featured a highly topical programme of master classes. Calligraphy is equally interesting for the experts and younger generation. Everyone can try one’s hand in this fine art and experience the joy of creation.
For six exhibition days the show was attended by 17, 000 people, 9, 000 of which were children. More than 2, 000 people attended 27 lectures and master classes.
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