Natalia Goncharova’s exhibition to introduce the pioneer of “everythingism”

Natalia Goncharova received recognition early on in her career. She proclaimed herself the leading figure of the Russian avant-garde before her artist colleagues, who have since risen to fame, including Kazimir Malevich, Marc Chagall or Wassily Kandinsky, by staging a huge private exhibition in Moscow in 1913. In 1916, she moved to France and became a key figure in the whirling art world of Paris.

Goncharova’s extensive artistic work was inspired by folk art and religious icons. Her art was also contradictory: Goncharova could at one moment be taking part in a street performance in Moscow with a painted face, and at the next be working on creating religious art inspired by old icons. In addition to visual art, Goncharova designed costumes and sets for Sergei Diaghilev’s famous Ballets Russes. She also created designs for fashion houses in Moscow and Paris, was involved in avant-garde cinema, and provided illustrations for experimental poems. The term “everythingism” (Russian “vsechestvo”) aptly captures Goncharova’s multifaceted oeuvre.

Goncharova’s bold and innovative work was influential among her contemporaries, crossing the boundaries that typically existed between 20th-century art forms. The exhibition focuses on the artist’s most innovative period from the early 1900s to the 1920s, when she inspired experimental artists in both Russia and Western Europe. The exhibition features more than one hundred works, including a large number of paintings, but also illustrations, costumes, sketches of set designs, and recordings of ballet performances. Almost all the works in the exhibition will be seen in Finland for the first time.

The exhibition is organised by the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki, Tate Modern in London and Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, in collaboration with State Tretyakov Gallery. The exhibition is curated by Timo Huusko, chief curator at the Ateneum Art Museum; Matthew Gale, head of displays at Tate Modern; and Natalia Sidlina, curator of international art at Tate Modern.

Events related to the exhibition

More information about the events at Ateneum's website

Thu 27 Feb 17:00–17:45
What the curator says: Natalia Sidlina
The lecturer is Natalia Sidlina, the curator of the Natalia Goncharova exhibition presented at Tate Modern in London. In English. Ateneum Hall. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card.

Wed 4 Mar, 18 Mar and 25 Mar, 17:00–19:30
A workshop for adults: Textile art in Goncharova’s footsteps
Discover Natalia Goncharova’s colourful expression and textile-art methods! In the workshops, participants learn about textile printing, felting techniques and embroidery. Workshop space, second-level mezzanine. Tickets €39/29 (includes admission to the museum, materials, and coffee or tea).

Five performances from 6 to 20 March
Vuokko Hovatta: Tietysti olemme siskokset
A monologue ‘Of course we are sisters’ on the friendship between Natalia Goncharova and the poet Marina Tsvetaeva, performed by Vuokko Hovatta, in the Ateneum Hall. Tickets €31/26 (including the €1 service fee).

Thu 12 Mar, 17:00–17:45
Expert lecture: Mirva Saukkola – Natalia Goncharova’s fashion art
Natalia Goncharova’s avant-garde costume designs were influenced by her Slavic heritage and the world of ballet and theatre. The lecturer is the editor-in-chief of the Antiikki & Design magazine, Mirva Saukkola, PhD. Ateneum Hall.In Finnish. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card.

Thu 26 Mar, 17:00–17:45
Expert lecture: Tomi Huttunen – Natalia Goncharova and the autogenetic Russian avant-garde
The lecturer is the professor of Russian literature and culture Tomi Huttunen, PhD. Ateneum Hall. In Finnish. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card. 

Fri 27 Mar, 18:00–21:30
Ateneum Late
You are invited to spend Friday night at the Ateneum! Visit the exhibitions, take short guided tours, enjoy surprising performances and create your own art in workshops. Free admission with a student card and for under-25-year-olds. Admission is also included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card.

Thu 2 Apr 17:00–17:45
What the curator says: Timo Huusko
The lecturer is Timo Huusko, chief curator at the Ateneum Art Museum. In Finnish. Ateneum Hall. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card.

Sat 4 Apr, 10:00–15:00
Children’s Saturday at the Ateneum
A day for children and their significant adults. Explore the exhibitions, participate in guided tours led by Skissi the cat and create your own art in workshops. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card. Free admission for under-18-year-olds.

Thu 16 Apr, 17:00
What an artist says: Rosa Liksom – Inspired by Natalia Goncharova and icons
The writer and visual artist Rosa Liksom discusses her journey of discovery into Natalia Goncharova’s art, which has inspired her for decades. Ateneum Hall. In Finnish. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee, or with a Museum Card or a Friends of the Ateneum membership card.

 

Opening hours
Tue, Fri 10:00–18:00 | Wed, Thu 10:00–20:00 | Sat, Sun 10:00–17:00 | Mon closed

Admission
Adults €17 | Concessions €15 | Under 18s free admission

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