honorable mention
Alexander Shmelkov netherlands
title
EUR
Alexander Shmelkov works has been participating in the number of group exhibitions in Russia and Europe, including Moscow Youth Biennale (2018). Some works of has received critical acclaim and were shortlisted to and awarded by several photography prizes (Architectural Photography Award, Felix Shoeller Prize). Alexander’s works has been published by several media outlets.
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entry description
This project is an exploration of totalitarian architecture phenomenon. The paradox embodied in totalitarian architecture is that although empires strive for unification their expansive character makes them inclusive. Conquests inevitably brings diversity and chaos. But stability makes them stale and leads to disintegration. The district of World Exhibition in Rome (EUR) exemplifies this antagonism. ‘A nation of poets, of artists, of heroes…’ says the line atop of Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. This incantation of power and unity is carved in stone and embodied in architecture. But the architectural language goes beyond it. It embodies the ideal hermetic world. The fabric of this ideal space is a palimpsest of different languages which refer to the language of predecessors of Romans and exist on different levels of perception. It resurrects myths and bring Ancient Roman heroes and out them as guards. EUR ensemble inherit the traditional shapes and connect it with modernity. EUR architecture is a universe where individual is submitted to general and the order is firm. And the internal dialogue of cultures never stops.about the photographer
Alexander Shmelkov (b. 1979, Volgograd, Russia) is a contemporary visual artist, currently living in The Hague, Netherlands. Working primarily with photography, he mixes social commentary, analytical aesthetics, references history of photography, and documentary and architectural photography conventions. His works reflect on the manifestation of the social, historical and cultural issues in the ordinary landscape. In 2018 Alexander Shmelkov has formed together with 3 other artis A4-16 art group.Alexander Shmelkov works has been participating in the number of group exhibitions in Russia and Europe, including Moscow Youth Biennale (2018). Some works of has received critical acclaim and were shortlisted to and awarded by several photography prizes (Architectural Photography Award, Felix Shoeller Prize). Alexander’s works has been published by several media outlets.
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