One of the entertaining events of the non-commercial program "Golden Section" is the exhibition "Archpolka", that is, literally: a review-competition of photographs of working shelves of architects and installations with them. Collected on Facebook. And although the preamble boldly says that you can even present your portfolio on the shelf, the result is the shelves. Meanwhile, both young and eminent architects and even foreigners willingly took part in the venture. The curators of the "Archpolka" Rustam Kerimov and Ilya Mukosey answered our questions. On Monday, May 18, the "Archpresentation" of the shelves with discussion will take place, and the winner of the competition will be announced on May 21 along with the laureates of the "Section". The sponsor of the project, the Triumphalnaya Marka company, will reward him with a shelf of its own production.
Archi.ru:
Are photographs of the architect's shelves such a skit, like collecting palettes from artists, or do you really think that a “shelf” can show something important in an architectural portfolio?
Rustam Kerimov:
First of all, I would call it an act of architectural fetishism. The portfolio has nothing to do with it, because the portfolio is a finished product, and the shelf is the result of the process. It is always interesting to look into the kitchen of a famous chef, it is essentially the same here.
Ilya Mukosey:
Perhaps yes, skit. Fan. But maybe it will show something important. Or maybe not. The answer to this question is not universal, it is personal for each viewer.
In your project description, you say that it will allow you to see the environment in which modern architecture is born. So, you have collected the material, what are its distinguishing features? And therefore, what is the difference between the environment of modern architecture, does it have any peculiarities, or can we assume that such an environment of the architect was both 50 and 150 years ago? In my opinion, you managed to prove that the shelves, at least within two hundred years, are no different: the same books, magazines, pencils, bottles of wine and parasitic figurines from distant wanderings. The project shows well that designing your own shelves by an architect is rather an exception; and the only monitor placed on the shelf only emphasizes once again that no one puts electronic devices on the shelves, they have no place there … Do you disagree with me?
IM: I believe that analysis is not our task. Rustam and I came up with a format, created conditions. And let the one who looks at the result draws conclusions. Here are your conclusions. Have right. We may find out the opinions of other viewers at the "Archpresentation" on May 18.
Why did you invite only young architects?
RK: To participate in the photo project, we invited all architects to participate in real shelves, young ones, since such a task was set by the Central House of Artists: an exhibition-competition of young architects, there could be tablets, a shelf, just a form of exposure.
IM: The invitation to participate on the FB page does not contain age restrictions. I can only answer for this text. And there are enough photographs from people who can no longer be called youth.
How many shelves did you manage to assemble?
R. K.: More than a hundred.
Favorite exhibits of the curators?
IM: There is no answer yet. I like almost everyone. But you have to choose. One of the prizes will be awarded at the curators' choice.
RK: Community on Facebook "Archpolk", a good rack turned out.
Do you think the project was a success?
RK: Yes, but it seems to us that it is too early to consider it closed. This is some kind of successful time.
IM: In short, yes. If it is long, then I have completed the task that I set for myself, and I am satisfied with the result.
