The myth of space: Interpretation in the Ural stone-cutting art of the 1950s –1980s

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of one of the key topics of the Soviet art industry — the space program of the USSR. This topic is considered on the example of the activities of the Sverdlovsk factory «Russkiye Samotsvety». In the 1950s – 1980s, the factory was the leading stone-cutting enterprise of the state, which allows us to consider the formation and development of the space theme in the stone-cutting art and, more broadly, the art industry of the Soviet Union using its example. For the study, archival data published for the first time, graphic materials previously unknown to researchers from the collection of the Sverdlovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore, as well as works from the collection of Russian museums were involved. The material of the article is divided into two parts, revealing the areas of activity of the stone-cutters of the factory «Russkiye Samotsvety». The first part deals with models of souvenirs and functional items approved for production from the late 1950s to the 1970s. The main constructive motives of these works are noted, as well as materials (stone raw materials) and techniques chosen by the masters for the implementation of projects. Stable motives and techniques are singled out, which remained relevant in the framework of the embodiment of space themes in products of the circulation circle. The second part is devoted to the consideration of the so-called author’s works of the plant’s stone-cutting masters. On the basis of recently discovered sheets of design graphics, as well as rare objects presented in museum collections, the main types of works are distinguished, as well as the characteristic techniques used by masters in creating objects. Great detail is noted, the use of materials uncharacteristic for the space theme in the 1970s, as well as attempts by craftsmen to use their specific properties within the framework of a given topic (transparency-translucency, color, texture, stone pattern, etc.). Consideration of two areas of creativity of stone-cutting masters makes it possible to single out the topic of space exploration as one of the most important in line with the selfpresentation of the successes and capabilities of the USSR.