Primrose - Russian Colour Photography
Press release | Amsterdam, 15 November 2012
Primrose - Russian Colour
Photography
25 January - 3 April 2013
The exhibition Primrose - Russian Colour
Photography takes place as part of Netherlands-Russia 2013.
The title refers to the primrose flower, used metaphorically here
to represent the many colours in which it appears during early
spring. Primrose -Russian Colour Photography presents a
retrospective of the various attempts in Russia to produce coloured
photographic images. This process began in the early 1850s, almost
simultaneously with the discovery of the new medium itself. The
colouring technique, based on the traditional methods of craftsmen
who added colour into a certain contour design, has determined a
whole independent trend in the history of photography in Russia,
from 'postcard' landscapes and portraits to Soviet propaganda and
reportage photography.
The use of colour in Russia stems from the early 1850s and
practically coincides with the invention of the medium itself. The
term colour photography is slightly disingenuous, since at first it
referred to a toning technique in which black and white photographs
were painted by hand. Traditionally this technique was used by
specialized tradesmen who added colour to the photographs according
to certain methods and within the contours of the image. This
technique became so popular that it started a trend in and of
itself and to a large extent determined the appearance and
aesthetics of colour photography in Russia. Initially used
especially for portraits, picturalist landscapes and nudes, it
later also found favour with avant-garde artists. Interestingly
enough these aesthetics also formed the starting point for Soviet
propaganda and for portraits, political leaders and
reportage.
Primrose - Russian Colour Photography can be viewed as a
journey through various techniques and genres, meanings and
messages, mass practices and individual experiments. The exhibition
contains works by renowned photographers and artists such as Sergey
Produkin-Gorsky, Ivan Shagin, Dmitry Baltermants and Robert
Diament. But is also shows unique photos of Alexander Rodchenko and
Varvara Stephanova, and recent works from the famous Luriki series
by Boris Mikhailov, in which he mocked the visual culture of the
Soviet propaganda.
Netherlands-Russia 2013
Primrose - Russian Colour Photography is organised as part of
Netherlands-Russia 2013 by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian
Federation, Moscow City Government, Moscow City Culture Department
and the Moscow House of Photography Museum.
The exhibition is curated by Olga Sviblova and Elena
Misalandi.
Primrose - Russian Colour Photography is made possible
with the support of SICA and the official opening on 24 January
2013 is sponsored by the Russian Embassy.
The exhibition Primrose - Russian Colour Photography can
be seen 25 January - 3 April 2013 in Foam. Open daily 10am - 6pm,
Thurs/Fri 10am - 9pm. Tickets: € 8,75.
Note to editors: For information and visual
material please contact the communications department, e-mail
foam[at]foam.org or phone +31 (0)20 5516500.
Foam is sponsored by the BankGiroLoterij, De Brauw Blackstone
Westbroek, Delta Lloyd and the VandenEnde Foundation.
foam
Keizersgracht 609
1017 DS Amsterdam
phone: + 31 (0)20 5516500
www.foam.org