Beyond exploring what constructivism is and how to interpret it, another question arises: where did it originate? While researchers have reconstructed the historical emergence of constructivism with considerable accuracy, it remains contradictory. In the 1920s, constructivists proclaimed their movement as a method, aspiring to establish a unified theoretical concept. However, the reality proved to be more intricate and ambiguous. What accounts for the contradictory nature of constructivism, and why did it evolve this way?

The curators invite visitors to seek answers by analysing the spatial dynamics, cognitive frameworks, and archetypes inherent in the Russian cultural milieu. The exhibition navigates through thematic sections titled Immensely, Forever, Almost, Amongst, Lively, Upwards, Daring, Unstoppable, Extremely, and Contrary. They acquaint viewers with fundamental constructivist phenomena: prioritising process over result, the fluidity of values, unity in the name of a global idea, a penchant for extremes, and relentless aspirations. Employing a transhistorical approach when choosing the artworks and themes, the exhibition fosters a dialogue between diverse artistic directions. This perspective shifts focus from a mere chronological understanding of constructivism to a deeper comprehension of its essence as an artistic and cultural phenomenon.

Constructivist artworks are displayed here alongside works by nonconformist and contemporary artists, placing constructivism within a broader cultural context and highlighting unexpected intersections. Featured artists include Pavel Filonov, Nikolai Suetin, Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, Natalia Goncharova, Ivan Leonidov, Yakov Chernikhov, Eric Bulatov, Yuri Avvakumov, Vyacheslav Koleychuk, Igor Shelkovsky, Viktor Pivovarov, the Blue Noses Group, Roman Sakin, Krasil Makar, among others.

The exhibition features a wide range of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts. It comprises 144 pieces sourced from 29 state museums and galleries, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the State Russian Museum, the Bakhrushin State Theatre Museum, the State Museum and Exhibition Centre ROSIZO, the Shchusev Museum of Architecture, the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts, the Andrei Rublev Museum, the State Museum of the History of Religion, the State Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve, and the Stroganov Museum of Decorative Arts. Additionally, works from eight private collections are featured: those of Yuri Avvakumov, Anton Kozlov, the Miturich-Khlebnikov family, Denis Khimilaine, the Zhernakov-Kadin family, and others.

The experimental nature of the exhibition project was enhanced by a unique musical ambiance by composer Nikolay Komyagin. He composed four main themes specifically for the project, engaging in a dialogue with the curators about the concepts of time, space, following one’s dreams, and sources of inspiration.

Curators: Anna Zamriy, Tatiana Shulika, Andrei Chernikhov, Alexander Ermolaev

Exhibition architecture: DD:A|D architectural bureau.

Graphic design: KROKHA + CHEKED designers' association