The first in Russia International Exhibition of Calligraphy was
held in St. Petersburg from September 16 till September 21, 2008. The
ancient halls of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg served as the
venue for this unique event.
  
For
centuries the halls of the Academy have welcomed the largest
exhibitions of Russian and foreign masters, but collections of
calligraphic artworks, rare script books and documents, writing
materials and utensils, applied calligraphy items were exhibited here
for the first time ever.
Designers and technical services had to work hard to prepare stylish decoration for exquisite exhibits.
  
Sixty-eight artists from twenty-six
countries represented their works at the show. Fine European
calligraphy samples, Arabic ligature, ancient Chinese hieroglyphs,
Cyrillic writing and abstract calligraphy paintings: it is almost
impossible to find the trend which wouldn’t have been showcased at the
outstanding international project.
  
The
centerpiece of the exhibition was formed by the exclusive handwritten
variant of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The exhibit
attracted meticulous attention of the visitors and mass media
representatives.
The
opening ceremony was far from being “official”. The music and
calligraphy reigned that night. The illustrious masters of calligraphy
from Russia, Germany, Israel and China were inspired by and improvised
at the strains of Dmitry Shapovalov’s cello and music of the
Terem-quartet band.
 
The
opening ceremony was attended by the representatives of diplomatic
corps and renowned workers of science and culture. The show was opened
by the Chairman of the National Union of Calligraphers Mr. Petr
Chobitko and Chairman of the World Club of Petersburgers, Mrs.
Valentina Orlova.
The welcome telegrams from the Chief of the
Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
Mr. Sergey Mironov and Minister of Culture of Russia, Mr. Avdeyev were
read in public.
The Anthem of the Russian Federation performed by
the Chamber Choir of the Smolny Cathedral sounded especially solemnly
in the ancient Academy.
 
It
is well-known that the most curious things happen after the official
speeches are over. The doors to the exhibition halls threw open and the
visitors were able to thoroughly study each and every of the skillfully
illuminated exhibits.
  
  
The
first in Russia international exhibition of calligraphy admired and
inspired the guests of the northern capital of Russia. The queues lined
up to the comments book. Moreover, the guests were asked to write with
goose-quills.
“The atmosphere in the museum was incredible. It
was the fusion of mystery and magic. The music was admirable and
beautiful. Fresh flowers were everywhere; the air was filled with the
odour of flowers. Calligraphy is a true art. It is not merely a
well-written text. Those were real paintings. The paintings made of
letters, lines and flourishes. A butterfly, sun or rain – all made of
letters!”, one of the visitors left a precise description of the show.
   
The
exhibition featured a highly topical programme of master classes.
Calligraphy is equally interesting for the experts and younger
generation. Everyone can try one’s hand in this fine art and experience
the joy of creation.
  
For
six exhibition days the show was attended by 17, 000 people, 9, 000 of
which were children. More than 2, 000 people attended 27 lectures and
master classes.
Organizers: Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy, National Union of Calligraphers and MVK International Exhibition Company.
Project partners:
MGIMO Alumni Association, World Club of Petersburgers, Russian State Library, Russian National Library, Astoria Hotel, Sokolniki Culture and Exhibition Centre.
Media partners:
Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Argumenti I Fakti, Baltic Information Agency (BIA).
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