Homage to Diaghilev's Enduring Legacy

This exhibition features works created between 1910 and 1969 by avante-garde Russian artists in the Soviet Union and abroad.

Homage to Diaghilev: Enduring Legacy
The Harriman Institute
Columbia University
420 West 118th Street (at Amsterdam Ave), 12th Floor

On view from: March 31 - June 30, 2009

This exhibition features works created between 1910 and 1969 by avante-garde Russian artists in the Soviet Union and abroad. It features watercolor and gouache paintings of set and costume designs by such influential Russian artists as N. Roerikh, G. Yakulov, B. Erdman, A. Ferdinandov, L. Khidekel, T. Bruni, P. Tchelitchev, A. Tishler, N. Akimov, G. Boriskovich, I. Sevastianov and others. Serge Diaghilev’s influence on the performing arts allowed these artists to use theatrical design as a legitimate platform for artistic expression.

Serge Diaghilev was the visionary and creative mind behind the Ballets Russes, the first international performing company whose sets were designed primarily by artists, instead of professional theatrical decorators. Starting in 1914, Diaghilev commissioned some of the most innovative Russian artists of his day to work as scenographers and designers for the Ballets Russes.

By integrating fine art, dance, and theater, Diaghilev raised theater to a new creative and artistic level. He also opened the door for many Russian artistic innovators living in the USSR and abroad by providing a place for fine art in the world of theatre.

This unique exhibition celebrates the dynamic interplay between stage design, fine art, architecture, and production design that was the product of Diaghilev's artistic vision.

May 18, 2009 - Voice of America News
Homage to Diaghilev
by Mikhail Gutkin
(in Russian)
- http://www.voanews.com/russian/2009-05-18-voa18.cfm

May 19, 2009 - Defacto.am
Homage to Diaghilev
by Mikhail Gutkin
(in Russian)
- http://defacto.am/index.php?name=news&op=printe&id=349

April 23-29, 2009 - Russkiy Bazaar
The Inexhaustible Heritage
by Margarita Shkliarevskaya
(in Russian)
- http://www.russian-bazaar.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=14830

May 2009 - American Ballet Theatre cross-promotion
- http://www.abt.org/performances/promo_p_e.asp

Photos from the exhibition opening by Vitaliy Orlov