This season, London’s Calvert 22 foundation is playing host to a four-part exhibition series entitled “Power and Architecture”. While each instalment focuses on its own unique facet of public space, the string of shows as a whole aim to highlight both the similarities and differences between the UK’s capital city and its post-Soviet neighbours to the east. For its penultimate presentation, the foundation has chosen to explore the relationship between skateboarding and architecture.
Russian artist Kirill Savchenkov‘s “Museum of Skateboarding”, a mixed media installation that depicts the sport’s intrinsic relationship with urban architecture, has been commissioned for the show. Through this, the foundation positions skateboarding as a metaphor for transforming obstacles into opportunities in the same way a boarder uses architectural landmarks to perform tricks. Bringing the comparison between London and eastern Europe to the forefront, Savchenkov’s artwork displays the difference in architecture between each locale, with eastern Europe’s Brutalist buildings allowing for more space – thus, more opportunity – than its western counterpart. When considering the reality in each region, it creates a deeply political argument focused on oppression and power. The show is a profound reminder of the importance in perspective, proving that no matter where you are, it’s about making the most of it.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/168949420
Power and Architecture Part 3: Citizen activated space – Museum of Skateboarding is on display at London’s Calvert 22 until 11 September 2016