When designing the AZ/ART Centre for Contemporary Art’s solo exhibition Literal Connections by Anatoliy Belkin, the architects sought to solve several key challenges. First, they aimed to highlight the multifaceted, multilayered and complex nature of the artist’s work. Secondly, they had to fit the exhibition into the Centre’s original, laconic space of ancient, low-vaulted chambers.
Together with the curator, the architects intended viewers to explore Anatoliy Belkin’s work as if conducting archaeological research. The meaning of each piece, or even entire thematic rooms, is gradually revealed, layer by layer. Another important objective was to demonstrate the diversity of Belkin’s artistic practice. Over time, he has established himself as an artist, producer, curator, graphic artist, publicist, journalist, publisher and photographer.
Minimalist architectural forms, such as slanted walls and angled cubes, were incorporated into the Centre’s halls. These design choices enabled new perspectives on Anatoliy Belkin’s work to be explored. The simplicity of these forms emphasised the complexity of the multi-layered pieces. Additionally, the slanted walls created the illusion of depth and height by altering the proportions of each room. This was essential, given the low stone vaults.
The same deliberate perspective was applied to the entrance groups leading to the central spaces, which were designed as propylaea. This reinforced perspective is also used in the hall with the ABC exposition, reminiscent of Baroque techniques. The absence of a single route through the exhibition is emphasised. Viewers can familiarise themselves with the artist’s work from any point. The themes of the exhibition include Writing, Architecture, Things and Characters, and Albums.
The choice of colour palette played a significant role in the project. The walls are plain and light, painted in shades of grey and white. The main accent is on the text and font, which are dark green and reminiscent of a swamp. This alludes to Anatoliy Belkin’s legendary project, Gold of the Bogs, which is reminiscent of the colour of the album folder containing material for the graphic series ABCs.