A series of posters is part of the new installation of the Russian artist Artem Filatov "Gorky experience". The object that imitates a real ticket booth refers to the toponymy associated with the pseudonym of the famous writer Maxim Gorky. In Russian, 'gorky' may mean as bitter refer to hard life experience.
Client
Artem Filatov
2020
Contribution
Poster design
Team - Kurt
Roman Shtein, Jenya Shtein
Egor Shaklunov
Overview
At the heart of our creative process was the concept of duality. Gorky's pseudonym, which means "bitter" in Russian, resonated deeply with his tumultuous life experiences. Nizhny Novgorod, where the project was based, was once named after the writer during his lifetime, and his influence continues to permeate many aspects of the city, from institutions to events and festivals.
We drew inspiration from the contradictory nature of Maxim Gorky himself—a figure torn between two extremes. This duality became the foundation for an alternative reality where movie announcements, tourist excursions, and music concerts seamlessly intertwined with the complex tapestry of the writer's biography.
Sources of inspiration
The posters we designed were a visual narrative of Gorky's relationship with the Russian peasantry, the intriguing tale of Derenkov's bakery with its underground library, the heartwarming stories of the charity cafe "Столбы," and the touching accounts of Christmas trees organized by the writer for orphans. We delved into the rich materials from the "Clinical Archive of Genius and Giftedness," explored Gorky's thoughts on God-building, and delved into his essays about Solovki and jazz, aptly described as "music for the fat mans."
Cultural context
In each poster, we aimed to capture not only the essence of Gorky's multifaceted personality but also the intricate interplay between his life experiences and the broader cultural context of his time. It was a captivating journey into the world of art, literature, and history, and I'm proud to have been part of a project that breathed new life into the legacy of Maxim Gorky, blending reality and imagination to create an unforgettable "Gorky Experience" for all who encountered it.
Crafting a Multifaceted Tribute
As an Art Director at Studio Kurt, I was deeply involved in the creative process, ensuring that each poster not only captured the essence of its respective theme but also contributed to the rich tapestry of Gorky's life and influence. "Gorky Experience" was a profound journey into the literary and cultural landscape of Maxim Gorky, and I am immensely proud of our studio's contribution to this exploration of his legacy.
