TRAVELING EXHIBITION
The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) is pleased to present the traveling exhibition Matryoshka: The Russian Nesting Doll. Featuring 83 Matryoshka sets, the lavishly painted wooden nesting dolls have become an iconic symbol of Russia. Whether depicting ancient legends, religious themes, or political caricatures, Matryoshkas can tell us more than meets the eye—as one doll opens to reveal the next one inside—about the history of Russia. The dolls were selected from a private San Francisco-based collection of wooden dolls, one of the largest collections of its kind in the United States.
Matryoshka nesting dolls are one of the most popular gifts that millions of travelers purchase during their trips to Russia. The brightly painted wooden toys have become a symbol of Russia and Russian folk art; their bell-shaped silhouettes are familiar to the young and old. However, the Matryoshka’s history and meaning remain virtually unknown to many admirers of this popular art form. The exhibition Matryoshka: The Russian Nesting Doll is the first of its kind, uncovering the artistic and historical meaning of this iconic Russian toy and revealing the Matryoshka’s artistic richness and variety.
Painted Matryoshka dolls are fascinating storytellers. Elaborately decorated with scenes from Russian folklore, history and politics, they provide a visually rich source of learning for adults and children. The dolls available for display were produced over several decades and include pre-WWII dolls as well as dolls from various regional centers of Matryoshka production during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. The exhibition also features unique Matryoshka dolls painted by recognized masters of Matryoshka painting.
Organized into seven sections, each thematic area uncovers the artistic and historical meaning of the most popular Russian toy and demonstrates Matryoshka’s artistic richness and variety. The exhibition features 83 Matryoshka sets of approximately 650 individual dolls displayed in 23 cases. Some of the dolls are stacked inside the bigger dolls and thus cannot be seen. The exhibition layout reflects the evolution of the medium starting from the early 20th century dolls to contemporary works as well as various types and styles of contemporary Matryoshka painting.
Installation photos are available on TMORA’s FTP site at http://ftp2.tmora.org (Username: traveling; Password: exhibits). Text panels are available upon request. For more information, contact Lana Gendlin Brooks, Director of Operations, at [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> .
The Museum of Russian Art/5500 Stevens Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 www.tmora.org <http://www.tmora.org> 612-821-9045