In October 2023, Makariv witnessed the beginning of a one-of-a-kind mobile photo exhibition that reimagined the community's wartime experiences. Part of the "Nashe place" project, these unique constructions were crafted on a shoestring budget, utilizing local wood and volunteer efforts. This frugal approach maximized the exhibition's utility while minimizing the use of materials. Discover the genesis of this idea, the philosophy guiding it, and the cost breakdown in the following text.
Background
The 33 Days exhibition was conceived during a public discourse on commemorating war casualties, aiming to provoke conversations about local’s trauma. The constructions should be designed not just for this purpose but also with mobility and versatility in mind for future exhibitions. They had to be easily movable, adaptable to various locations, simple to assemble, repair, and reuse, all while remaining cost-effective.
The constructions would to be located on the horodyshche of the Panskyi Park. This is one of the two public places for recreation of the community with more than 15,000 inhabitants. The park has a rather marginalized status. Horodyshche can be considered the cultural center of the park, because it is an archaeological site from the time of Kyivan Rus (9th-11th centuries) and has great potential that is unfortunately wasted due to a number of reasons.
Solution and Design
These inputs led to the creation of 12 wooden mobile exhibition stands with an A-base, using locally sourced wood and basic metal fasteners, costing less than $1,000. These stands have four multifunctional surfaces, facilitating interaction and co-creation with visitors.
The stands, easily movable and adaptable, have been featured in locations like Makariv's main square and the horodysche of Panskyi Park.
Designer Andrii Batin emphasizes the structures' ephemerality, seamlessly blending into the park's landscape and becoming integral to the settlement, much like mythical creatures from Kyivan Rus.
Philosophy by Design
The inspiration for the creation of the red and black watchtowers was the Ukrainian constructivism of Vasyl Yermylov and traditional Ukrainian kuren.
Yermylov's "poor" and laconic art combines economical use of materials with almost folk brightness of colors. His arsenal consisted of two or three local colors, two or three geometric elements, and two or three material textures. This approach allows achieving minimalism in the means of achieving the best result - without excesses and too much of decor. Such thriftiness with materials, solutions and resources is timely in wartime conditions.
The above-mentioned kuren are temporary prefabricated structures traditional for Ukraine, especially common during the Cossack Age (XV-XVIII centuries). They are becoming relevant again due to their simplicity and low-budget construction. For instance, as temporary accommodations during the renovation of a permanent residence. This approach also saves time and other resources needed during the war.
This exhibition transcends its temporary nature, weaving Ukrainian constructivism, frugality, and communal engagement into the fabric of Makariv's landscape and cultural heritage.
