Ax Art 2008 exhibition

Posted on 24 jun 2008

In June 19–22, 2008 the International Exhibition Center “Moldexpo” was turned out into an art gallery, where wonderful, colorful, magical world of art, imagination and creativity reined – here the Tenth International Art Exhibition “Ax Art Expo” was held.

Organizer: IEC “Moldexpo” S.A.
 
Coorganizers: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Moldova, Union of Artists of the Republic of Moldova, Union of Popular Handicraftsmen of the Republic of Moldova. Partner: “Ars-Dor” Association.

The main idea of the exhibition “Art Expo” aims at popularizing of modern art and contributes to different interpretation of the values in modern society. Artists, sculptors, photographers, craftsmen, public organizations, museums, as well as companies that manufacture accessories for artists – totally 180 participants- presented their works at “Art Expo-2008”. More than 5000 exhibits were displayed within the bounds of the event – best works of modern painting, graphic arts, sculptures, folk art, photography, jewelry, bijouterie, etc were presented to the visitors.

The exhibition reflected the different directions, styles and forms of artistic creativity. Here everybody could see art works of both young and world-known artists of modern art. Here art works of both young and world-known artists of modern art were neighbours.

Long tradition of folk craftsmen who have been cultivating a special “taste” of color and shape in art have been preserved and are passed via the works of professional artists nowadays. Ceramic ware, kitchen utensils, embodied a spirit and experience of our ancestors, world-known potters. Of particular interest was craftwork made of natural materials – paintings, elegant handbags, baskets, hats and bonnets etc.

The richness and complexity of the Moldovan art were shown in the works of craftsmen who work on wood carving; they provided household items with elements of traditional Moldovan ornament and religious motifs, exclusive works in rustic style (made of artificially ageing wood), which could add colour to any interior design. The amazing work of Moldovan craftswomen on embroidery, performing sceneries in art hemstitch, using “French beads” technique, two-side hemstitch, as well as cross-stitch one, which impressed by their luxuriance of colours shades and variety of motifs in this kind of art. National traditions in weaving, preserved the symbolics of traditional Moldovan carpet of XV century, were demonstrated. Craftsmen in their works presented national costumes with handwork embroidery patterns reflecting the symbolism and ritualism for each individual attire.

All this magnificence supplements with the feeling of presence in the studio of a craftsman. For four days the venues of “Moldexpo” turned into a cozy “Casa Mare”, where craftsmen embroidered, weaved, crocheted and carved from wood, accompanying the working process by exciting stories about popular traditions and customs of Moldova.

In addition, every day at the exhibition master classes of work with ceramics of decorative techniques used in modern design: “shelling”, “gilding”, “shop-windows paints” etc., as well as techniques of manufacture of items made of cornhusk covers, stone carving, wood carving etc were held
   
The exhibition “Art Expo – 2008” was held under the idea – art is the key to the soul of modern society.