Sergey Shutov
THE FIRSTššKILOMETER

(painting, photo)

21. 05. 09 - 21. 06. 09



Opening reception - May, 21 at 6 p.m.

A. Petrovichev Judging by the name, your project is located somewhere close to the Red Square, next to the so called Null Kilometer, right?

S. Shutov The Red Square is a symbol of power of Russia. The artist, whatever his specialization is, should he be a writer, or a painter, touches upon with this source of inspiration, sooner or later. We need to understand the origin and opportunities of this power. We need to know whom does it belong.

A. Petrovichev Do I understand you correctly that the First Kilometer is, in fact, the starting point, an epicenter to this power? Does your project develop the idea of various energies, spaces and measurements? What it is really about?

S. Shutov Look. The First Kilometer is seemingly the first indeed. But why is it located at the Red Square and not at the Glavpochtampt (state-run historical post office)? What was the logic taken to place it there? Coins -- obviously from the tourists - left by the Lobnoye Mesto (Place of Execution) and the First Kilometer, cannot be picked up. They lay upon ground as in Ali-Baba Cave. What those sacrifices next to the Kremlin mean? The history of Kremlin is mysterious. From Aristotel Fioravanti fate, who was the architect and engineer from Bologna, to the mystery of Belyy Krechet Temple. And besides, the modern history of Kremlin adds more to it. Speaking about Lenin Mausoleum, for example, or mass soldiers' graves, or the restriction to make photos of the place, also pseudo ritual dances of Paul McCartney: What does it say about? Whose mystery is that? A question for me, indeed. . .

A. Petrovichev The idea of the Red Square is not new and is endless, same about conspiracy. Didn't you forget to mention Ivan the Terrible Library? Too many details and meanings, you know. Do you think they are in place?

S. Shutov Ha-ha-ha! If you believe that the library is stored next to the Mausoleum, that makes the things really exciting. Conspiracy implies mysterious explanations and secret conspiracies, while I believe we are unaware of what was happening in the past. My position as such makes me ask awkward questions. I trust the facts. It is my pleasure to know about your opinion, but I would prefer not to make any conclusions. We know that artist can feel pain, but not cure. Until we understand that all the facts we have mentioned in our conversation are accidental and spontaneous as a chemical reaction, until we understand that a human being is just a will-less amoeba, I will ask my questions again and again.

A. Petrovichevšš An artist often feels pain, but more often he indicates the tendencies. But are accidents accidental? There are a lot of questions, but the first kilometer stays apart as is. In here, the inner logic and consequence are more important. Are you interested in logical events? Or not?

S. Shutov I don't want to find logic in progressive movement. Expanding the knowledge about ourselves, we learn new, and every new knowledge brings new judgment. Well, yes, logic is present, we might think even about light-headedness, mainly from routine day-to-day actions, from being too much self-confident. Not that creatures from outer space impress, but the fact that they will be eaten.

A. Petrovichev What was the impulse for your exhibition?

S. Shutov It's high time to speak up. I cannot keep silent.

Translated by Darya Bielecka