"Crossing Boundaries": a striking installation about growing up at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition
The
exposition, hosted at the National Centre RUSSIA, showcases works by young
artists from various countries. Thanks to the diversity of styles, genres, and
artistic approaches, every visitor can find something personally relatable. For
instance, the vibrant installation "Crossing Boundaries" by Li
Runzhi. Tour guide Olga Dodonova explained how red desks and chairs symbolize
growing up and searching for one’s place in society.
Li Runzhi's
work "Crossing Boundaries" is a complex structure of desks and chairs
painted red. The installation is dedicated to school — our second home. It
reflects on that challenging yet significant period in life when we first leave
our family to become part of another group. We begin interacting with new
people and must adapt to rules that differ greatly from our familiar home
routines.
"We
are talking about socialization here. When we are born, we feel warm, safe, and
comfortable under the wings of our parents. However, as social beings, we move
on to kindergarten and later to school. There, we are placed within certain
frameworks and boundaries, with discipline being required of us. The
composition of this piece reflects this very moment, as the arrangement of
chairs and desks creates numerous facets. It represents social transformation.
This work invites us to reflect on the time of our own growing up and to
consider our place in life," explained Olga Dodonova, a tour guide at the
National Centre RUSSIA.
"Legacy for the Future" is a large-scale project by the National Centre RUSSIA,
promoting the idea of multinational dialogue about the future of the world,
with humanity at its core.
The
exposition features works by young artists from six countries: Russia, China,
India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. In their creations, the young authors
present a personal response to contemporary challenges. They reflect on the
present, express their attitude towards past events, and contemplate the
future.
Visitors to
the National Centre can explore the exposition independently or join free
guided tours, available in 30-minute or one-hour formats. Registration is
available on the website under the "Events" section.
On 2 September at 18:30, the National Centre RUSSIA invites visitors to an open recording of a new episode of the "Russia Speaks" podcast.
On 12–13 November, the National Centre RUSSIA will once again become the main meeting place for those thinking about what tomorrow will look like.
Ivan Yefremov's science fiction has long been considered a classic, yet the worlds of the Strugatsky brothers continue to appear on screen far more often. Why is this?
