Openings: Inna Aruaty

Illustrations by Inna Arouati for The Republic of Shkid (by Grigory Belykh and Alexei Panteleev, 1927) discuss the life of a school for boys who have nothing and are orphaned by their parents. The school is established in Russia between the two world wars, and within its walls their heroic ruling republic prevails. The selected black-and-white illustrations express curiosity about their deeds and hint at the youths’ adventures in their time, in the tiny kingdom under their rule. The books are filled with humor that alludes to their tragic situation and reflect the vitality concealed in their kingdom. The exhibition presents drawings of winged creatures in dazzling colors, as well as several sketches she recently made in anticipation of what once was and of time taking its course.

The exhibition takes place in a somewhat optimistic reality, but with a sense and atmosphere of uncertainty and hopelessness. From the exhibition, we draw a broad range of human experiences and enjoyment, interwoven with our own time.

Curator: Inna Arouati
Language editing: Dr. Amit Kama